Blogs from Middle East - page 1000

We arrived in Istanbul on 22nd September. A Turkish colleague of Charlie’s had booked a hotel for us (thank you Almila!), although, because of the very good rate she had managed to negotiate we had only one complimentary breakfast per room! We could see the hotel but couldn’t reach it so pulled into a garage to ask the way. A very kind man leapt into his car and led us to it, another example of the sort of kindness and hospitality we have found throughout our trip so far. We checked in - it is such a lovely change to have a bit of luxury - and almost immediately were whisked into the centre of Istanbul on the shuttle bus. We did the usual tourist things over the next day and a half visiting the Blue ... read more

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Jordaania kohta ei oskagi midagi kirjutada, kuna kogu oma siin oldud aja veetsin ainult kõrbes (mitte midagi tehes). Kodutöö oli siia tulles tegemata, kuid üldjuhul vastas minu ettekujutusele. Suurt vaadata siin ei ole ja erinevalt Liibanoni ja Süüriaga on tunda, et "tänu" koostööle läänemaailmaga, ei ole negatiivse meedia propaganaga turistide horde siit eemale hoidnud. Kohalikud üritavad igal võimalusel petta ja kedagi usaldada sellepärast siin ei saa. Esimesel katsel Iisrealisse sisenedes saatis juba Jordaania piir mind jutule võtmata tagasi. Järgmisel päeval uuesti proovides õnnestus siiski piirivalvurid ära rääkida ja Jordaaniast väljumistemplit mulle passi ei löödud. Iisreali pool hoidis mind hiljem selleparast 6 (kuus) tundi kinni, kusjuures piir suleti 2h ennem minu vabaks laskmist. Juudid lubasid passi märgistamata labi lasta ainult tingimusel,et sama piiripunkti kaudu näda... read more

The ship sailed into Istanbul, Turkey mid day and we had a spectacular view of both the Europe and Asia sides of the city. Istanbul is the only city in the world that is on both continents. The Bosphorus is the strait of water that separates Europe from Asia where we sailed into. We went to the top of the ship outside where the commentator pointed out all of the amazing sites. Turkey is a very fascinating country with lots of history and amazing things to see. Jon and I really enjoyed everything about Turkey and would love to come back again. From the ship we could see the Blue Mosque, Ayasofya, Topkapi Palace, The golden horn and the two bridges that cross the Bosphorus. The sites are truly amazing. On our first day in Istanbul ... read more

If you didn't know already, I'll provide a quick update on my recent activities. I packed in my job having decided I'd regret not travelling before settling down; those who've known me for a while know I've been considering this for far too long before actually deciding to do it. I handed my notice at the end of April, rented my house by the end of July, finished work at the end of August and set-off on the 14th September for one year's worth of travelling solo. The plan was to visit Qatar, UAE and Oman, India, South East Asia, Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, America and Canada, although it may well be subject to change. Now I'm away, I've never felt less stress, more content and happy...perhaps at finally overcoming the fear associated with leaving my ... read more