M and J's additional Serenity Day

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A cool, cloudy morning encouraged us to snuggle in bed a bit longer. This meant a later breakfast but it was still very leisurely. We breakfasted beside an Australian couple who live near the NSW / Queensland border, and chatted….of course! We didn’t leave the dining area until well after 10 o’clock!



We ventured outside the hotel grounds for a brief stroll in the gradually warming sunshine. We particularly noted the blossoms bursting from their buds and the fresh green leaves appearing on the trees. The trees had barely a tinge of green when we arrived on Thursday.



As we are about to embark on the tour we decided to have another very quiet day. The sun on the balcony was glorious and we took delight in soaking it up. (Thanks for the Sudoku, Lynne!)



Our meet-and-greet welcome dinner this evening was quite spectacular. There were over 800 people! We were seated in tables according to our bus group so we could get to know a little about our fellow travellers. We met our Turkish guide, Okan, and our historian, Peter Hart. Each bus group has their own guide and historian. It’s a mammoth operation! The food was buffet style, in abundance and very delicious. Mat McLachlan was walking around amongst the tables, came to ours and said, “Here she is, my new girlfriend!” Wonder who he was talking about?? It was a delightful, ambient evening.



We have an early start tomorrow: a wake-up call at 7:00am, breakfast and on the bus by 8:20am. Our bus will be departing at 8:30. There are staggered times to help run the exodus smoothly. We are so grateful to have had a couple of days here to acclimatize. Some fellow travellers have only just arrived.

Apparently, there will be about 7kms to walk tomorrow with all the places to visit; and the weather is cooling right down with possible showers.

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Photos

The sights one sees while breakfasting
Everything is so clean, even the roof!

Waiter's choice!
These chips were placed on my plate with a big smile. You try!

Bird life
Viewed from the balcony

Trees bursting into life
Viewed from our balcony

The Convention Centre
Viewed from our balcony

Mabel on the red carpet
About to head into the Convention Centre for meet, greet and dinner

Centre piece on each table
United - Australian, New Zealand and Turkish flags

Everyone received a badge
So special

Historian and Guide
Our historian and guide for the next 9 days; Peter Hart and Okan Cuhan (you can call me OK or shiny head!) These Turks are hilarious!

Comments

[Pam Dear]

Fascinating blog
So enjoy reading all your delightfully descriptive text & seeing the beautiful photos, makes me feel I am amongst you all. Stay healthy & safe..

[Pam Dear]

Fascinating blog
So enjoy reading all your delightfully descriptive text & seeing the beautiful photos, makes me feel I am amongst you all. Stay healthy & safe..

[Judy Potter]

Enjoying your blog
Jan, you are amazing to keep this all up to date and so interesting. Hope everything continues to go well and you avoid the dreaded Turkey Tummy. XX

[Cheryl and Mark]

Hello you two ...
The food you are savoring looks great ... perhaps this is the ANZAC Centenary Food Tour as well? Not long before the Victorians arrive in the ACT ... the Moet is on ice and we'll definitely have a toast to you two on ANZAC Day ... as we look out for you on the TV! Have a good trip tomorrow, luv C and M xxx

[Barbara & George]

Really enjoying following your journey. Brings back memories of our trip to Borneo and how much it means to you. Keep enjoying.

[Lorraine]

Great Idea This Blog
Thanks for sharing your trip with us. So exciting for you to be able to tread in grandfathers footsteps with your mum, who is truly amazing and obviously a great hit with the group. Travel on xxxx

[Felix and Monica]

Hi Jan and mother Mable, good to hear you are enjoying every minute of this memorable journey. Good to hear also, that you already do some training for your approaching Bushwalking !!! I hope, I will as fit as your Mum at 90 years, I still have 10 years to go . Enjoy Felix and Monica.