Geo: 41.3879, 2.16992Hopped across the Med yesterday, and believe it or not, there are Roman ruins here too! The plane was in the air three full hours, and someone told us Rome held sway even in areas further east and west. Barcelona is a very hip, and unfortunately, expensive city. Our apartment reflects that state of affairs. We are paying a good deal more than in the past, yet Bird labels it "just okay". For those of you not initiated into Bird speak, just okay is not actually a compliment. The more modern buildings are solid and stately, which are mixed with buildings that are a bit older. ... read more

Geo: 37.9795, 23.7162Well, we need to clarify yesterday's post. We suggested only Superman could view the Acropolis from Nick's apartment. Early in the evening we observed some stairs, climbed to the roof and what we saw is captured in the first picture. We suppose Nick thought us to be a little brighter than is the case.Nick recommended a restaurant a couple of doors down from the apt. It was simply amazing. We were the only tourists, no English menu so we were taken to the kitchen and selected our meals. Began with an excellent Greek salad, which we had again for lunch today. Bird had a stuffed eggplant, while HP sampled meat that was wrapped in green leaves, possibly grape. Nope, don't really know what either was, but ate everything. We're going back again tonight. We ... read more

Geo: 41.0138, 28.9497This wraps it up for us at the capitol of the Eastern Roman Empire. Off very early in the morning for Athens.A little about our impressions of Istanbul and the Turkish inhabitants. The setting is spectacularly beautiful. Blue water all around with often steep hills. Climate is also wonderful, low humidity and moderate temperatures. Highs were uniformly in the mid 70's.The inhabitants are profoundly diverse in appearance, at least the woman. The men generally are dressed alike, most with some degree of a beard, but otherwise dressing as folks would in the U.S. or Europe. By contrast the woman vary from full Burkas, who represent perhaps five per cent, to women wearing rather provocative attire. The Turks seem to accept this as a matter of course. We saw no signs of disapproval due to ... read more

Geo: 41.0138, 28.9497Set sail this morning traversing essentially the entire length of the Bosphorus Strait (its not that long). Best day so far at Istanbul. Scenery was quite nice, Bird enjoyed the history and the weather continues to be wonderful. Averages here are in the mid-upper seventies, which is what has been occurring. It was, however, very breezy. We did arise much earlier than yesterday. Perhaps we have adjusted to the seven hour time zone discrepancy.... read more

Geo: 41.0138, 28.9497Okay folks, we arrived at Constantinople (Instanbul, Turkey) at 5:20 pm local time after eleven hours flying (and to think it will take another hour on the return). Anyway, it is two continents down! Yes two, review our intro and you will see we said four continents between 30 August and 7 October. On 30 August we were on the continent of North America, now we are in Istanbul, which is Europe, so that's two. As a bit of an aside, we would like to tell everyone what they already know-we have three wonderful children. Baby Bird was just excellent and cooperative in keeping her sister Sally during our trip. And Doozer rivaled her with assisting in Sally's care. The easy willingness of these two was such a pleasure. Thank you kids; we love ... read more