What sounded like extreme weather came bursting through the bedroom window at around 6am this morning. I thought it was a massive wind-storm but it sounded weird and I just couldn't place it. The only solution was to look through the window and what I was confronted with was an invasion of hundreds of hot air balloons. I have never seen so many balloons, the whole town was covered at every angle, it was spectacular to see... and Glyn and I were very envious. I thought at first that Glyn seemed better as he managed to come out and photograph the balloons, but a toilet trip soon made us realise that things were still not good and we asked again if our hotel would let us stay an extra night. Glyn was still too poorly to ... read more

I'd not realised just how ill my husband was when writing last night's blog, but during the night it because quite clear, he was feverish as well has retching with a jippy belly. I thought he might need a doctor. However, I walked down to the pharmacy (getting into town only takes 10 minutes once you know the way) and the pharmacist despite saying he only knew a little english was very helpful. I'd say he knew a lot of english, enough to discuss all symptoms and I went back to our hotel with three boxes, each with hand written instructions. Glyn had not slept much in the night, so left him to sleep whilst I read. By midday I realised that he was not going to be able to get out and thought that at ... read more

If ever we are lost, I always know to go uphill, because no matter where you are, the most difficult and steep route is the right one. If it has numerous steps disappearing into the infinity point, worn slippy with age and no shade, that is the direction that Glyn and I are headed. And I'm always suspicious of any route that starts going downhill as this is surely a sign that we are lost. This has certainly been the mantra of the day and I will pay for it in the morning. I woke in the night to the sound of the fan switching on after 4 hours of powercut which I'm told is very unusual for the city centre. The helpful lady who lives at the bottom of the stairs told us that it ... read more

Today I've boated along a river between two continents that are part of the same country. Is Istanbul unique for this? I don't know but it makes for a good pub quiz question. When we planned our itinerary back in Stoke one rainy Sunday, I don't think that we really thought it through. My idea was not to waste time in Selcuk in the morning and get to Istanbul asap, so not to miss a thing. So a 7.10am flight didn't seem a bad idea until you factor in we had to get to Izmir first and all that checking in nonsense. And so we rose at 4.15am. The airport was surprisingly very busy. After landing in a very breezy Istanbul we took an hour long bus journey to Taksim in Beyoglu, which is the area ... read more

Friday For Christmas, Glyn had bought me a weekend away in York as it’s somewhere I’ve been meaning to visit for sometime. We drove up on Friday after I’d finished work and arrived at our Travelodge at around 7.45. The Travelodge was an old converted coach house so had more character than some chains. We drove into the main part of town and went to a Southern Indian restaurant called Viva Goa. The only table left was at the back by the loos, but it had a really good atmosphere and seemed vibrant. The music was very jolly and we trying to work out what it was – it sounded European but apparently was from Goa. The food was totally awesome and the service very friendly, I highly recommend it! Saturday On Saturday morning we started ... read more