'Istanbul, Turkey is a city with unique history and one of the best panoramas in the world. Offering stunning views of the Bosphorus, the magnificent towering Renaissance Istanbul Polat Bosphorus Hotel is located on the European side of Istanbul, in Besiktas, midway between the areas of Taksim and Levent. The hotel is in walking distance to key Istanbul shopping malls, business centers and Bosphorus' main boat harbor. Taksim square is only few minutes away by subway and very easy access to Old City; Saint Sophia Museum, Sultanahmet Mosque,Topkapi Palace and Grand Bazaar, also to the Asian side by the Bosphorus Bridge. This luxury newest addition to Istanbul hotels is designed to meet most demanding requirements of today's modern traveler, whether the trip is for business or holiday in Istanbul, Turkey. Be awe-inspired on the 16th floor Club Lounge or roof top Bar & Restaurant by the truly amazing view of the Bosphorus and the city's historical peninsula'.

Our meal last night was in the roof top bar area. The restaurant was fully booked out for either a wedding, or a meet the families on both said engagement- the English of the waiter wasn't great. I had another fish meal, which I enjoyed immensely, and Peter had a steak. The free starter was like a chicken mousse with a little bread stick. We didn't know they were going to bring us that, as I had ordered a prawn cocktail, then fish for the main. I asked the waiter to suggest a dessert- as it was our finally night here. He brought out a sharing platter with pistachio ice cream; and three each little treats- we were not expecting all of this either- so rolled off our chairs and made it to the lift.

Fully tummy and lovely glasses of wine meant the blog did not get finished and published. Life is also not about writing blogs, but getting on with living. My focus on writing has been about a journal that my kids, grandkids, greatgrandies --- for generations to come. It also is a way for those that I care about, and are interested in my/ our thoughts and experiences to come along for a short ride. Writing these also helps me when my memory needs to be jogged, as it's there in black and white. I log in at places on FB too- so I can see where I/we have been- esp when we travel some ground.

Our taxi ride this morning was great; he took us all along the water front which was just a final treat. It only cost approx. £10 for a 45min ride. Coming from England we were ripped off by the taxi driver as he charged us 65 Euros- not to self- do more research around transport. We do prepare for trips really well to try and avoid hassles, but there is always more isn't there?

As mentioned the prediction was for a thunderstorm; and the lightening show behind the clouds confirmed that was going to be the case. It ended up not affecting us at all- Thank you Lord. As soon as we arrived at the airport our taxi was pulled over by security and the boot checked. Then once we walked in the door, we were checked again- by the end of we were checked 5-6 times- 2 of those were with a full pat down and belts off and electronic equipment looked at.

We both wanted a coffee, so I headed off to get them, but after waiting to be served for what seemed like a long time, but was probably only 5 minutes I walked out of the shop. Staff were just standing around talking- I was thinking 'what am I Invisible or what? - go get a male, so I went and got Peter, not good for them as they basically ignored him too- so rude!

All aboard and we snuggled down for our 3 hr flight to Heathrow-Don't ask me why its 4 hrs one way and 3 the other- maybe it was the bouncing around the sky like a pinball machine. More olives, cucumber, feta and tomato with eggs for breakfast. Peter has promised a roast Pork dinner tonight - 'Get some Pork' on your fork was a TV ad years ago in OZ. I watched a movie called The Music of Silence: a true story of Andrea Bocelli ( Its hard wiping tears off your face when you are sitting between 2 men, not wanting either to know your crying lol

I then had a quick look at a movie called 'A mountain between us' Kate Winslet and Idris Elba- which is about a plane crash- LOL 'Faith is the substance of things hoped for , the evidence of things unseen'- and I had the faith we were not going to fall out of the sky today blahhhhhh.

Our flight therefore was a great one, on the scale of the flights I have had now in my life. Oh by the way Peter did a count of the amount of ferry rides we had, and he calculated approx. 16, as I mentioned we both love the ocean. Weather doesn't bother either of us either- which is a blessing, we can appreciate each day for what it brings. Lauren and Alex collected us from the airport (thanks again guys x). We were going to get picked up from the drop off zone, until when I asked an airport attendant (if that's what they are called) he warned that if you get caught being picked up in the drop off zone, you get hired heavily- I slapped him, and said whats up with that as Heathrow is making money hand over fist?- he laughed while Peter phoned Alex to warn him. I can't get over the fact you are forced to pay to drop off and collect people from most airports here- so cheeky.

It's nice to be home, even though I couldn't fit that bed in my suitcase lol Plants all survived and more birthdays at the front door- Thanks Deb & Stev xx

Well my loves I have started on the washing, and wanted to stop and let you all know we are safe and sound. Peter is catching up on sports and the Newspaper- and cooking our dinner of course.

Lauren asked me if I would want to go back to Istanbul again, and I said 'No'. Not because I didn't enjoy it, but because there are soooooo many places in this amazing world to visit. Plan your trips, and mark them on the calendar. Local, National and International- maybe like me you have had to wait a lifetime to get to experience trips like this, but when you do- enjoy the good, the bad and the ugly- it's all a lesson. Human beings are amazing - and experiencing different cultures- even if annoying at times, brings insight. I hope you have all enjoyed this backseat journey with us, as I have enjoyed sharing it with you.

'Be a tourist in your own life'

Playing the tourist in your own life doesn't mean that you don't know where you are or where you're headed, it merely means that you're aware that there's a short time frame you're destined to be here and you're going to take advantage of every moment you can while enjoying the ride! One of the most delightful things about our lives here is the way in which they are honestly a choose your own adventure story with chapter endings that we have the power to influence, to change, and create to our very own specifications.

Love you all