Gur Royal Suit Aparts

I virtually tumbled onto Haldan's little haven after arriving on a late flight, getting a bite to eat with trekker I met in the airport, and then taking a cab into Sultanamet. The driver apparently was related somehow to Haldan (in Turkey, you hear "This is my cousin" a lot), and took me there. Rates were reasonable and i was invited to socialise with Haldan's friends in the evenings. Breakfast was a typical Turkish feast (on the small side for me, but I'm a big eater - most folks would be fine with the portions). Gur Hotel is in the shoemaking district, and i got a kick out of watching the the workers in the apartments across the street (which had been converted to small factories) assemble shoes that would sell on the street the very next day when the glue was dry. The place to me a regular sort of economy hotel that resembles places I have stayed in Paris, in Marseilles, in several cities in Italy, in in Central America. I love the homey atmosphere of these places, though many travelers want more amenities and more luxuries that I require. Haldan assured me that he would have a little nightclub-type place in the penthouse, and i hope he has done that. I grew fond of the guy, and I wish him well!