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Abba makes the realization that he dropped the money somewhere and he incorrectly assumes that it fell out in the cab. In need of money to even get to the airport, the guys head off to the business district to see if they can scrounge up enough money to cover what was lost and then found by the twins. As a true sign of character, Abba says he feels guilty having to beg for money in a place where there are so many people who have nothing. Speaking of guilt…

…Natalie & Nadiaya are happy to split the stolen money with the Longhorns, so they “can share the guilt.” The fact that the dating couple takes it bothers me more because just ten minutes ago, they were likable and I was rooting for them. I can’t say I am anymore unless they think better of it and return their half to James & Abba when they see them again.

And see them again they will, because James & Abba successfully scrapped together all the money that was stolen because of the generosity of several Dhaka citizens. So while every other team has bad-mouthed or expressed joy in leaving the city, Headbangers’ Ball is humbled by the kindness of people. I will redirect my “rooting” of Trey & Lexi over to James & Abba. Alas, we see no repentance by the Longhorns but all the teams are officially together on the flight to Istanbul (…Not Constantinople).

Upon landing, the teams split up with all but monster truckers and Team Beefcake taking a cab to the Kabatas Ferry Terminal and the first clue. The two rebellious teams are aboard the same subway to the ferry terminal.

Headbangers’ Ball gets the clue first and is instructed to take the ferry across the water to the other side of Istanbul, which is in Asia. Phil explains that this city is the only major metropolis that sits on two continents. Once on the other side they have to find their next clue on the grounds of the Uskudar Terminal. They are the only ones on the first ferry and the next ferry is loaded up with Abbie & Ryan, Team Despicable (Natalie & Nadiaya), Accessory to Team Despicable (Trey & Lexi) and Team Beekman.

On the metro subway, a local drops some knowledge to Team Beefcake that there is zero traffic early in the morning, so taxi would have been way faster. At the next stop, Jaymes & James bale on the train and grab a cab. Rob, in all his “wisdom,” thinks they did that because they are followers and feel the need to be bunched together with the other teams. Poor, foolish Rob. To confirm Rob’s obliviousness, he says that he thinks that Team Beefcake made a huge mistake and this could be the leg that they get a win. If by “win” he means elimination or near elimination, then yes, he is correct. But I don’t think that is what he meant.

James & Abba are the first at the clue and the leg continues its theme of clue-to-clue-to-clue but no challenges. They are heading to Misir Carsisi and store No. 14 for their next clue. It’s like Amazing Race connect-the-dots. We are nearly halfway into the episode and haven’t encountered an actual task yet. Not my favorite format for a leg.

The second ferry docks and the teams see that Headbangers’ Ball is on the scene and heading to the next clue. They all scramble for the clue and then form a caravan to the next destination.

On the other shore, Team Beefcake boards the ferry after noting that several clues had been taken. As Jaymes astutely says, “It wouldn’t be us if we didn’t do something a little off.” At least he is not oblivious like Rob but awareness doesn’t trump Race ability and that is why I rank them so low consistently.

At the Misir Carsisi Spice Bazaar, Trey & Lexi have apparently peeled off from the rest of the group and are the second team there with James & Abba.

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