Our plan to overnight in Istanbul worked out well. Our hotel was very Eastern European with swags, tassels and flounces and gold gilt everywhere - quite fun. It was in a super position for the old town, Grand Bazaar and the mosques and palaces etc so we'll definitely stay there when we sail up this way next year for exploring the city. the Grand bazaar is said to be the oldest in the world and I'm sure the biggest - all under cover. 4000shops and 46 different streets and alleyways. Some of it is quite open and bright and some very twisty and narrow. We were concerned we didn't really have time to get lost so were pretty conservative in our wanderings! Next time we'll be more adventurous.

All the flights went well with only a short delay in Singapore. the morning after out return we both went to the doctor for flu and Covid needles - a big mistake on top of jetlag. We both had reactions, mine particularly long lasting and horrible. I actually think I got a head cold on top of it all. So I spent Christmas Day in bed and Peter went out to eat prawns etc with family. We had seen them before I got sick luckily and met the new little great grandchild, Waylon. Very cute. We'd bought him his own Turkish "flying carpet".

It is very nice to be home in our newly renovated apartment from 2021. We'd only been in it 9 months before heading off to France that year to collect Entre Nous. Been away 18 months this time. Heading up for New Year now. Lots to do while we are home this next 2 1/2 months.