Last Friday I was having dinner in Nuteras with a couple of friends who were visiting me for three days. As we finished eating I rec'd a text from a friend who was in a restaurant nearby(ish), giving the name of the place, the road and the area if we wanted to join her. I had no idea where this was or how to get there, so I showed the text to the waiter who wasn't too sure, but he took my phone to the manager instead. The manager not only knew the place, he insisted on taking us there in case we got lost/couldn't find it etc. It was a good 10 minute walk but he was happy to escort us all the way, even making sure we'd located our friend in the restaurant.

The best bit about this story was, I'd spent the previous 2 days telling my visitors how friendly Istanbul was, how hospitable and helpful people were for no apparent gain. And how "you never get this sort of treatment in London". They were needless to say, mightily impressed!

Nice one!

Pass on the favor and friendliness. On the way to work, I met a totally lost Japanese couple wandering towards the sea. They were looking for the Mosaic Museum under the Arasta Bazaar. The entrance is hard to find so I jsut took them there and also pointed out the exit so they wouldn't be confused by coming out in a totally different place. Many bows were exchanged. I was late for work but felt that the couple was left with a good feeling about their visit.