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Published: April 17th 2015
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Friday 17 April 2015
After a comfortable night’s sleep, we awoke to a crisp spring morning, bright with sunshine. Mum was ready to venture out so breakfast was enjoyed in the beautifully appointed dining room overlooking the Bosphorus Strait.
Friends and family let us know about ‘Mabel’s Mission’ (Michael Felgate’s interview) via an email link. We were thrilled with what was presented!
https://au.news.yahoo.com/vic/video/watch/27157319/mabels-mission Nick McCallum is in Gallipoli and is keen to catch up with Mum, too. He’s been keeping in touch via email. Well done, Channel 7 news team! Your coverage of this 100 year commemoration is commendable.
A walk in the sunshine was much needed. Before we got outside, we passed by the Mat McLachlan ‘office’ and the Turkish representatives chatted with Mum: “Oh, we know you are with the group! We have been wanting to meet this lady and her daughter. You are, how we say, um, 90 years old?” Then the lovely young man said, “You are 19 and you are 25!” A lot of laughter as Mum responded with, “I am her older sister!” We greatly appreciated our walk and a relaxing sit in the warming sun.
The amount of water traffic along the Bosphorus, the birds in the trees and the planes flying overhead held our interest until it was time to head up to our room.
Mum enjoyed a relaxing massage and skin treatment, after which she slept soundly for almost 2 hours! A leisurely stroll outside the Hilton and along the ‘main street’ was welcomed. The warmth of the spring sun had us smiling as we looked in on cafes, an Easter egg patisserie, people at work in their offices, the pansies, the cobbled roads and the people. A very friendly man chatted with us when we were at the corner opposite a park and shops. So friendly, he was urging us to come to his shop. When I said no thanks he wanted to know why? The conversation went something like this: Him - My shop is just over there, rugs, jewelry… Me - No! Him - But why? Me - We are with a tour group and just out for a walk and have to get back. Him - My name is Ahmet. Here’s my card. You come my shop. Me – I just smiled, took Mum’s hand and
walked away. We didn’t get to the park but might try again tomorrow!
Further exploration of the hotel’s environs saw the famous Mabel walking the red carpet. (The carpet runs around the exterior of the Hilton from the front entrance to the Convention Centre. Makes a good story though!) We enjoyed refreshments on the terrace and soaked up the atmosphere. We met a lady from Mentone who arrived today. She was heading to the gym and the swimming pool so I joined her while Mum went back to our room and had a bit of a sleep! Treadmill, weights, swim and spa for me … fun! Mum is now fully relaxed and recovered from the flight.
We again ordered room service and dined on our balcony as we watched planes, and birds heading to roost for the evening. Reading and relaxation; very pleasant indeed! Ahhh the serenity....
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Jenny G
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Great read!!
Terrific photos & wonderful to read if your early Turkish adventures Jan & Mrs H!! So thrilled for you both. Stay safe & well - love reading the blog!!