Europe meets Asia

I have arrived at the very edge of Europe, the heart of the old Ottoman Empire, Istanbul... From my hostel I have views across the Bosporus to Asia and if I look the other way a fantastic view of the Aya Sofia and the Blue Mosque! The people are friendly the atmosphere fun and the weather consistently good... And I am surrounded by Australians... Because Anzac day is coming up (for those of you who are not Australian or from New Zealand, ANZAC day is when the Commonwealth forces attacked at Gallipoli in the First World War and died in their thousands) so I was almost the only non-Australian around.. Although two Brazilians I had met in Sofia were also at the hostel and they had their flag with them compensating for the overload of Aussie and Kiwi flags... But it is fun, have been having a party every night and during the day been strolling around the sights. All the carpet and other sales men are catering to the needs of the Aussies and the Kiwi's by approaching them with a very Australian G'day mate (with perfect accent).. Istanbul is expensive though, probably the most expensive place I have been so far, so tomorrow it will be time to move on... Haven't decided to where yet, either Iznik or straight to Troy...

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Part of trip: The great journey east!

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