29/09/2018

Saturday our last full day in Turkey: What an amazing day we have had, and it's time to reflect on some bits I haven't mentioned.

· Firstly Happy Birthday to my Cousin Angela who is 1 day younger than me. We were both born at the same hospital in New Zealand- one day apart (how amazing is that?). We spent our birthday together in Italy 2 years ago and had the most wonderful time. Love you Ang xxx

· Ok last night for my birthday dinner we went to Akintiburn Besiktas- I tried to put the link in here, but this site stopped me- sorry...... well we laughed so much my sides started to hurt. On the menu was Red snapper and John Dory- so of course being a good kiwi we had the Red Snapper- I love snapper! Not only do they have fish that I know, but they also have plants that I have only seen in NZ. (The waiter brought a huge platter around to the table, so we got to see the fish, and this is great for those of us that know the names of them. The all-male attendants enjoyed the opportunely to practice their English. I really was spoilt and they even sent me home with a bag of grapes- (now let me explain, after seeing children begging for food, I really didn't want our left over grapes to be thrown out- so gestured that I was going to pop them in my Handbag- lol, our waiter said he would get me a bag to put them in, and then gave me double the amount that we had left over Bless him).

· Our taxi driver back to the hotel last night must have had dreams of being a rally driver- he was fantastic! Seatbelts- forget about seat belts they are not something of importance to lots.

· I have to say the presence of the police everywhere is really nice to be honest- not seen as a bad thing. We even saw traffic police the last couple of days pulling people over- great stuff.

· One thing that is a bit concerning, and maybe it's me getting older- but what is up with all these people continually taking selfies? No the few we take is nothing compared to what we have seen. Males and females- continually adjusting their hair and posing taking photos and putting on expressions- then quickly checking their gallery and take more WOW. It was more like an obsession, in my humble opinion- I didnt think it healthy at any rate. Females and their makeup another WOW! It is that thick and that perfect I wonder how many hours have been spent in front of the mirror. This only reinforces the rubbish about ones beauty- don't they get it Beauty is what shines from within?! I mean people are walking along videotaping themselves and playing with their hair the whole time, while not even noticing who or what is around them- really is this what one's life should look like? I don't think so, yes we all want to portray the best of us, but come on people get real!

· It also appears that smoking is something that is acceptable even while you are eating. Smoke burns my face, after all the treatment I have had for skin cancer- and really I don't like it. I have no choice but to suck it up lol xx Sorry all you smokers, but I know most of you are thoughtful to non-smokers. I don't expect people to know that it actually burns me, but really when people are eating? Smoking is acceptable inside and out. However on the ferriers there was no smoking, and no vaping (is that what its called?).

· Well I have thought of my daughter a bit while here, and have had 4 Long Island Tea's on her behalf- well that's my story and I am sticking to it lol. I dont normal drink spirits, but hey- they do a good job. I had 1 Mojito and had to sieve the mint through my teeth- so decided not to try another. We have had fresh fish and salads every day, and really enjoyed them. Red cabbage in the salads when we get home. Olives, cucumber, feta cheese and tomato with every breakfast.

· Today was a bit of a mystery day- which I think everyone needs- When one is so focused on the destination- they usually miss the bits in between. So today we decided to ride the tram to the end of the line. We got off at a place called Kale- and it's a shopping center outlet- its didn't have the bits we wanted, but that's ok.

· We had a lovely conversation with a man that lives in London, but comes to visit his brother in Turkey- he spoke very good English. He said his mother passed away at the age of 105, and that his father died at 160. I did ask if he was pulling my leg about his father age, but he said no. Children begging on the train again, which I was not comfortable with- selling tissues and the youngest was begging- kissing the hand or the foot of the person she targeted. A Turkish man spoke to her, after the woman she was accosting kept shaking her head 'NO'. They jumped the trams, and had the youngest and cutest in the group to do the begging- not good.

· We passed the Fortress Topkipi and wow that is so big- on both sides of the road- I wasnt quick enough with my camera. The tram lines take up priority on the streets, and cars drive down the middle. Including emergency service vehicles to which there are heaps.

· We were really amazed by the number of sportswear shops on the line we took- we passed a huge park, and also a number of football stadiums.

· We took the ferry from Eminonu to Uskudar and walked along to the Maidan Tower- my step counter has been off the chart lol. While walking along, we saw fisherman galore and even a scuba driver-Peter got a real fright as he wasn't sure what was in the water, was it a rubbish bag????- but it was really big what ever it was lol. We were not far from a Navy- Military spot and the driver did look like he was in camouflage- so he very well might have been a seal- lol get it ? Seal- Oh maybe you had to be there...... We saw people sitting on steps covered with Turkish cushions- relaxing, drinking and eating- what a great meeting place. People were coming along and selling their goodies. Ok another first on this trip, and thats a public toilet with a hole in the floor, and the lady attending the bathrooms cleaning with a huge hose. Thankfully for me they had one pedestal toilet, as I dont want the bottom of these pants getting wet from all the water on the floors lol

· We decided to have something to eat on the Asian side, and had fresh fruit juices x3, stuffed mussels, and a chicken bap- then a very special Turkish coffee for all under £10. Peter so enjoyed his 10 stuffed mussels- they were stuffed with like a risotto. See the photo with the lovely silver set- it also had a note rolled up, and that was like a fortune cookie message if you like. The waiter tried to interpret it into English and had us in stitches. Sitting looking out over the Bosphorus is just lovely, there is life happening everywhere, elderly people, singles, families all out Living- Bless em. Time for a drink, so back on the ferry, and after a very quick 5 minutes we are back on the Europe side. Peter took me to the lush Hotel Four Seasons for a look, rest and cold drink (Like he says: people may not be able to afford to stay here, but thier money is as good as anyone elses, and yeah- go have a drink and look).

We watched the end of a yacht race, tankers everywhere, ferries, you name it - its all happening on the water today. We had a lovely surprise when a pod of dolphins swam from our right to our left - so I am thinking heading to the Black sea, but Peter will know.

Time to jump on a bus and head back to the hotel to get ready for our flights in the morning. The weather forcast is for a thunderstorm, so hopefully we wont get bounced around the sky again. Boarding Passes printed out and save on email. Packing nearly completed- my sneakers are not returning to the UK, and I am thankful we packed sticking plasters- as I needed them from my old faithful sandles. We missed out on a massage as they were fully booked, but never mind.

I asked Peter what the highlight of our stay was and he said, our trip to Haga Sophia, and I would have to agree. If you go to Istanbul then please do make sure you make a point to go there.

T