Oct. 6, 2014

A Primer on Power 

I could not travel without taking along music, an iPad, an iPhone, etc.  The list of chargeable devices includes:

Jambox

Bose noise canceling ear buds

iPhone

iPad

iPad keyboard

Camera batteries

30 GB iPod

80 GB iPod

Anker 10,000 mAh battery 

Everything needs charging, because I use them all the time.  First thing I do when I get to a room is start charging.  

While traveling in SE Asia last year, I had no problem.  The standard 2 prong Apple plugs can be used on the 220 volt systems in Asia since the Apple plugs convert 220 and the US 2 prong can be plugged into the Asian outlets.  So while in Asia I needed nothing - I used the same things I use in the US.

No so in Turkey.  It requires a round plug with 2 round prongs to plug in.  Similar to European electrical systems. 

I bought one converter in Ankara and thought I could get by.  However, it charges real slow - it took all night to charge my iPad 60%.

Power management is a prime concern and I will head out today in Trabzon and see if I can buy some additional plugs, since I need to have 2 or 3 things charging whenever I am in a hotel room.

The pansiyon that Hasan booked for me seemed a little rough last night....it is not in the best part of town.  (Have you ever seen a bus station in the best part of a town or city?).  

Not the best vew or a view of the Black Sea from the bedroom window, but for 40 lira or $17.50, what do you expect?

Now in daylight I am confident I will be safe.  As it is day 3 of really big Muslim 4 day holiday, I decided to stay one more night here at Ayyildiz Pansiyon, explore the bus station, walk about 5 blocks down to the harbor and explore Trabzon in daylight.  It is a city of 750,000.  

Would like to rent a car and drive over to Georgia, but all the cars are reserved during the holiday.  Lots to see and do around here, just need to get my bearings and find someone that speaks English.  The Tourism Center is closed for holiday for today and tomorrow.  Will hang, play it by ear....see what Trabzon presents to me.

PS:  If you are following me, please send an email to fishbike53@yahoo.com

It sometimes gets lonely out here and opportunities to converse are rare.  An email is such a nice surprise!!!!