Istanbul

---

Had my first experience with a Turkish / Continental breakfast - cheese, olives, cold meat (not sure exactly what) and cay (tea).

A few of the tour participants who had booked in Australia (9 day tour - those who booked in Europe were on an 8 day tour) were taken on a bus tour of Istanbul today. Tour consisted of a visit to overlook the Golden Horn, to look around Mini-Ataturk (a miniature display of historic and significant Turkish sites) and the Transport Museum.

In the afternoon, after much bugging of the Tour Guide (Cengis) we visit the Grand Bazaar for a short time (about 40 minutes). An interesting experience, one you have to do, but not something I really enjoyed. Hard sellers and very demanding - certainly not somewhere you just think you’re going to be able to wonder around and browse. It was mentally and physically exhausting.

One of the really great experiences of the day was trying a wide range of cay - these people really do know how to make a great tea.

Getting more and more excited about going to Gallipoli - especially as we see more and more Australians around.

Another hard night at “Just Bar”!! Only had a slightly sensitive stomach this morning from last nights kebabs - so we had more again!!

---