I had a 40 hour flight layover in Istanbul and hoped to do the impossible - to experience and see all that Istanbul has to offer within my small window of time. Basma helped me almost accomplish this goal.

Basma's apartment is easy to get to from Ataturk airport as it's conveniently located mere minutes from the Aksaray Metro station. In response to my booking, she provided detailed directions to assist in my navigating to her apartment.

Greeting my late evening arrival with tea and sweets, she provided a handy pocket map and gave me recommendations on what and where to go so I could maximize my tourist time. From her apartment it was only a 25 minute walk to the heart of cultural district.

I spent ten hours the following day walking the streets of Istanbul touring the many Mosques, museums and bazaars. Upon my return to the apartment, Basma graciously invited me and her other two AirBnB guests to share dinner with she and her five friends that evening.

Ending my day of exploration by eating a delicious home cooked authentic Egyptian dinner and talking with Basma and her friends made this trip truly memorable.

Basma is a very helpful, gracious host and extremely pleasant to talk with. I would not hesitate to stay with her again.