We'd heard some tales of bad experiences from other travelers, so we were curious and even a little nervous about our visit. After all, we were trading one "Islamic" country for another (granted, by extremely varying degrees) and it's fair to say that living in a Wahhabi nation has had an effect on us and our worldviews.
But, have no fear! Ian and I took the subway in from the airport and met Mom at a coffee shop near our airbnb. She pulled a classic Mom and couldn't remember the way back to the apartment! Luckily, she had taken some pictures and we made our way back safe and sound. We didn't know our way around yet, and we were all travel weary, so we grabbed some falafel and had a couple of beers beneath Galata Tower while Mom told us all about her amazing time in India (I'm wearing the Animal Aid shirt she got me as I write this, you should check out the fundraiser for them).