Up early, packed, breakfast done now our cab has arrived to take us out to the airport (35 eros). My beautiful cheese knife is confiscated through the security check.....I can see the headlines now "Woman goes mad on trans-Europe air crossing with cheese knife!" I am also given a "pat down"! Turkish Airways to Istanbul....nice plane, on time, full meal, wine, and movies! Can't complain about that at least!
I had a car arranged to pick us up (48 euros) and the driver tried his very best to point out the various sights along the way. Turkey has a population of 75 million, officially 15 million in Istanbul (unofficially 17 - 18 million) though driving in Istanbul is a whole lot better than driving in Cairo! The Hotel Sirkeci Konak is lovely. Situated in the "Old Town" and when we arrive they immediately sit us down with welcome drinks and an explanation of the hotel and the free activities they offer. The room is not large but very neat, tidy and welcoming with a small but functional bathroom and the bowl of Turkish Delight on the table is a nice touch.
We arrange our lights back from Izmir then set off for a walk around the area. Lots of beautiful coloured plates, jewellery, leather, carpets and every shop owner wanting to sell you something. There are also restaurants everywhere so you would never starve. It's raining as we walk around, although there are still people everywhere, so we finally head back to the hotel and decide to 'eat in'. The restaurant is called "Netzade" and serves delicious Turkish food. A very nice way to end the day.
Don't ask! Now it's letting me download photos. Maybe it was the i'net connection.
0 comments:
Post a Comment