Day 15 (Istanbul)

Today we went for another Bosphorus Cruise. Somehow, when booking the trips (about a year ago) the visit to the Asian side didn't mention a river cruise, so we also booked one (in a private 'yacht') today. So we did it twice, but it's well worth it. Today we were in relative luxury, with snacks and coffee (I shocked the chap by asking for milk). The tiny luxury tiled toilet was also worth a visit. That large building (bottom left) was requisitioned during World War 1 as a hospital, where Florence Nightingale walked around with her lamp.

Our young guide was SO enthusiastic about her country, her city and her culture. She talked non stop for the entire two and a half hours. When I told her I was from Scotland, she was amazed. 'But I can understand you!' I explained to her that indeed there are some Scottish accents that I don't understand...

Back to the bus again, and we were taken to the Spice Market. So many irresistible photo opportunities, of course (Extra). It was unexpected (we hadn't read the description properly) but this was ideal, because we weren't going to be bothered going back out to it. Fantastic, of course. I did accept a couple of the proferred little titbits, and walked on, thanking them. JR said I shouldn't do that if I wasn't going to buy anything, but I disagreed.

We had a wander round the bridge and where the quaint fishing boats were. We remembered that area from when we were there several years ago, staying with a friend in the area, when we WALKED everywhere! 

Back to the ship for a delicious (buffet) lunch on the back deck, then a snooze (moi) and a sunbathe on our deck (JR). It's an interesting sail back down to Athens, past Troy (actually, where it was) and The Dardanelles (Gallipoli). We also have two lectures from our guest speakers.

Had a casual dinner at the Grill - Fish of the Day (groper) - meeting up with our pal from Seattle. There's a show on, but we're running out of steam...