This is it! The final blog of my trip we leave Istanbul tonight . We have been overwhelmed with the culture shopping history and exotic nature if this city . I so want to come back and explore more of Turkey. Perhaps in a few years time and I would like to take in the Holy land at the same time. Reflections of today? Tired of the constant hounding and bartering of stall keepers . I know a lot more about Islam after the visit to holy relics from Medina at the Topk...

Raining but we are excited to be in this ancient city where East meets west . Lots of political stuff happening with elections Syrian conflict and the dispute with Greece over Cyprus. Historically there is always war in this region. Our hotel has a view of the blue mosque and we have just heard the haunting call to prayer . What an amazing city of 18 million people. Taxi driver lady one, was laughing that we only have 4 million people in NZ.

Hello readers whoever you are. And I expect after six weeks only the really committed fan club members are still with me. I have to admit it's been the best holiday ever. Today our final day in Oia we decided to chill by the pool . Yes even went for a swim in the Mediterranean . My daughters would be amazed . It felt cold but the air temp got to 35 degrees c today so was very warm outside. We did washing caught up on reading and Facebook then went to town for din...

Woke up at 4 am in a hot flush . Not for the reason you think dear readers but because I was foolish enough to stay out in the sun yesterday by the pool for just a few more hours than my body could bear. So now I have a not so healthy looking red glow. However to use my involuntary insomnia in a positive way ( note the awesome alliteration at this early hour) I will write a little reflection of the first day at Oia on the beautiful island of Santorini. What can...

Just waiting at airport for flight to Athens then Santorini . Can't wait. We have a two and half hour wait in Athens . But that's ok. Getting into relax mode with a book. Just sharing a photo of my favourite waiter Paola at the Firenzo restaurant last night. We gave our concierge Pietra the rest if iur Chianti wine as we hadn't drunk it all so he was pleased. We have however packed the remaining half bottle of limoncello in suitcase for Greece . Hope it doesn't l...