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We met Claire and saw her new apartment across from Forest Park. She treated us to cocktails and appetizers for Father's Day at the Demun Oyster Bar. Very fun. After winning some mad money at Ameristar, we are settled into our hotel and have our bags ready to go in the morning. I have to admit that I have felt a little stressed about my mother's health, but am starting to feel excited about the trip ahead. Istanbul is one of the great cities of the world, and we will be there tomorrow! I am interested in the smells (think spice markets), ancient sites, hearing the call to prayer being broadcast from the minarets of all the historical mosques and hearing the music of the languages that will be foreign to me.

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