26th July-

Had a great nights sleep due to the nice modern hotel and air con. Didn't want to get up. On the bus as we headed to the Turkish boarder. Drove for a couple of hours before a rest stop to spend the last of our Bulgarian money. Then another hour to the boarder. Spent over an hour at the boarder by the time everyone gets a leaving stamp and then cross to turkey and some people on the bus have to get the visa and then cross into turkey. Spent time on the bus reading as I want to get my book finished so I can leave it at the hostel. Arrive in Istanbul and notice that it is quieter then when I was here in may... That is because ramada has started. It is also very hot. Check into the hotel and then head out shopping. There are a couple of things I want to get and put in the mail tomorrow. Found some goodies and headed back to the hostel to try and package them up. Had some dinner at the hostel and then enjoyed the sheshia water pipe with the other from the group. Was only able to have a small go as am still feeling unwell in the throat and lungs.