Smile your way out of Ataturk Airport

After reading an account on harassment at Ataturk airport over the New Year ,where 300 flights were delayed due to a snow storm , it's time I dug this up.

This was my bag on the way to the Budapest airport . Unlike that writer , I like , prefer and want to go through Ataturk Airport , as it gives me a chance to dash out to Istanbul to shop and eat , should there be any delay .

The agent wanted 2000 ringgit extra for a stopover . I almost gave him the alphabet sign before G . But because I know how to navigate the city using public transport as well as know where are the safest hotels I can check in to , and I can take advantage of any delay and make the best of it yes , I was actually hoping for a flight delay .

5 Steps to outwit the pickpockets

To the pickpocket, you are a walking, living ATM machine . Always remember that they work in groups or pairs and they have a daily "sales" target or quota to meet, more so when controlled by a syndicate where they will be beaten if they don't.

The general perception is that they are gypsies, but they also could be that harmless old Robert Deniroish looking grandpa in sunglasses ( he kept tailing me at the Trevi ) , 

the Bangla lookout, totting a small battery operated walkie talkie ( they come in all shapes and colours! ), 

the hip young MGK copycat in hoodie ( he made a U turn and looked for the next victim on the next train ) , 

camera totting tourist or a busy executive in an expensive looking suit . 

They love to strike where there is a crowd so if you can't avoid brushing past a crowd, ALWAYS hold onto your valuables REAL TIGHT. 

Other than that, here are 5 extra steps you can either follow or improvise on ....

Just love my fb traveller updates

And we say thanks on this beautiful sunny Sunday.

So nice to see people on my facebook list going practically all over the world. Cheap fares, shared rooms, plush luxuries. Gotta love them all. I'm delighted by their updates, check ins and photos. It's as if I were there right next to them.

Flight must haves

The bane of flying for me is a bawling infant. 

Try flying long haul with one or worse three or four of them at once within piercing earshot and you'll know what I mean.

Four horrible flight experiences with them, grew into a lifetime aversion on sight once on board. To me, they're NOT adorable one bit until we land.

Meet my lifesaver. The thing that keeps me from going insane when their tear engine starts up. Got these from Qatar Airways. 

Travel adaptor too loose ? Twist wire trick

When I had a problem getting my Malaysian bought adaptor, to fit ( it was too heavy and kept falling down ) into the two pin point in the bathroom, this is what I did.

Things you'll need to pull this trapeze act off . 

Wire from another appliance, wrapped around the bathroom point cover. Then held in place, by a twist wire.

Air Sickness acupressure band-really works !

Do you know someone who's afraid of flying because they will be bogged down by air sickness ?

 I take this everytime we fly, because it really works !
No more barf bag needed, when you get this simple but ingenius product. 

Medication is a little tricky as there are side effects.

The only side effect this band will leave you with , is a deep ugly red mark on your wrist. Don't worry, it will soon go away.