Istanbul Turkey on a quite cool, sometimes drizzly morning, on a BigBus HoponHopoff (with good WIFI on the bus) around the only city which spans two continents - Europe and Asia.

Sailed up the Bosporus Strait last night after belting across the Mediterranean from Mykonos yesterday - some waves but still really calm with no impact felt on the ship. A very moving ceremony last night about 1130pm as the ship slowly moved past the Gallipoli monument lit up at night. Over 1200 Aussies and Kiwis up on deck to mark the passing, several minutes silence, the Captain read the Anzac Ode eg "Age shall not weary them.." and one of the Aussie cruise musicians played the Last Post. Very moving. Some of the Kiwi guys performed the Haka in tribute afterward.

We will spend the day hopping on and off going through the Blue Mosque, Sultanamet, Hagia Sofia and many more sights and of course the wonderful Spice Bazaar with its aromatic mounded spices, Turkish delight, ceramics, glass, leather and anything else you can think of, with beguiling shop owners touting their wares in cheeky humor. Expect to get lost though.

Last nights entertainment was a Beatles tribute . The theatre was jam packed and the whole crowd was on its feet singing and dancing.