Day 14 (Istanbul)

Up and off early this morning. Cloudy and breezy, especially out on the river, where we were headed, though we hadn't realised this. It was a tour to a palace, and to the Asian side of the city. The tour boat was lovely, served Turkish rea and coffee, and handed out warm blankets to people not dressed properly. 

The palace was on the other side of the river, the Beylerbeyi Palace, with extensive gardens, and completely over-the-top interiors. Gold everywhere, crystal chandeliers the size of a car, marble pillars, and a swimming pool in the middle of the first room. We had to troop up three floors of stairs all at once. I was very very puffed. By the time we came out, it was sunny and warm.

From there we went to a special trendy area where people like to eat breakfast, with lots of cafes, quaint wooden houses and tree lined streets, and it reminded us of parts of Sydney. The bus drove right up to the top of the hill, and we walked down, which was good. The place was mobbed with families sitting out eating at the pavement cafes. There were lots of cats - always lots of cats and dogs. Apparently they are all fed every day. People are paid to feed them. The dogs have ear tags to show they've been seen by a vet and are healthy.

Back home for lunch. I must mention the port area. It's spectacularly new (built during Covid) and it's very far to walk from the ship. Very very far! The buses, when they come back in are stopped and sniffer dogs go round them. Having done it FOUR times today, I'm so tired (8,969 steps!) and I seem to have hurt my knee. I am always last back to ship, or on to the bus...

We've been to Istanbul before, and seen the mosques, Grand Bazaar etc, so didn't feel the need to go this time. 

Back to the ship for a rest, and I listened to a couple of the cruise lectures about the area (they were recorded). JR managed to sit out on our balcony in the sun to top up her tan.

Then we had another special event this evening - dinner at the Ciragon Palace. What a treat that was! Six courses, counting coffees and petit fours, plus several different breads and a very drinkable local wine while gazing out the huge windows at the passing river traffic. 

Last day tomorrow!