Blogs from Turkey, Middle East - page 27

Saturday: Arrive at the docks at 6:00 AM. The view coming in – with the sun rising over the Bosphorus bridge – was wonderful, lighting up Topkapi and the Sultanamet mosques. We exited the ship and transfered to the Pera Palace Hotel where we dropped off our luggage and went out into the surrounding Beyoglu District. After a few hours we returned to the hotel and sat for awhile waiting for our room to be ready. As we sat on the veranda John managed to spill an entire glass of ginger ale on Peggy, leading to a change of clothing prior to getting into the room. We had an unremarkable lunch near the “tunel” cable car that comes up the hill from the Galata Bridge and the Sulanamet street trolley. Upon return to the hotel we ... read more

Thursday - Kusadasi: We are clearly getting into the mood, as we got up late for breakfast. We had chosen not to visit Ephesus as the crowds can be extensive and we wanted to have a quiet day. As the ship was at the dock in the middle of the city, we simply walked off into a barrage of vendors. It is very difficult to be polite when each shop ask one of a series of questions: “Please come into my shop, it is the best in the city.” “Where are you from, let’s talk?” “We love Wind Star, come into our shop.” “You are missing the best shop in the city.” “If you buy something I will help you find the ship.” “Just take a look.” “Are you a cowboy? Where is your horse?” “You ... read more

Monday, 2 May – Istanbul When one travels to an area marked “do not travel”, as is the case with Istanbul by the Australian and US Government, one expects it to look and feel more dangerous. Yet it does not. The people are just like us, going about their daily lives, just as we do in a ‘safe’ country. Men wear business suits, uni students listen to their headphones and most women get around in heels. The majority of the population dresses Western. There is no looking over one’s shoulder or scrutinising each individual as a potential terrorist. Even standing in the immigration line upon arrival Dwayne, myself and the kiwi behind us seemed the only ones concerned about an unattended suitcase standing on its own. My first impression of Istanbul is that it is unremarkable ... read more

We awoke to a cloudy sky but feeling most refreshed, we followed our small companion up to the terrace for breakfast. Woolly says – day two of amazing breakfasts and having feasted to my hearts content I could truly say that I couldn’t manage another mouthful...... Miracles do happen and as I wiped the three types of jam of the furry fiend we were all looking forward to the next part of our journey. Woolly says - ....... the jam was delicious but I was glad of the wipe down as I appeared to be sticking to the floor! Next came the entertainment of Jo trying to get her backpack into position and then pointing her in the right direction before she fell over backwards hehehehehe. I led the way to the bus station and as ... read more

7 more sleeps!!... read more