Today was our last day together in Istanbul as tomorrow we say farewell to the girls as they fly home and we push on.

I finally found a cafe with good internet connection and the girls found a Turkish Bath to pamper them selves and Steve went and had a hair cut. He later returned with stories of how the barber had used a cigarette lighter (turned up high) to burn the hairs from his ears! Oh and he kept asking us “can you smell the burning “?

The afternoon was a lovely slow walk through the Blue Mosque which is a truly fantastic design with a tiled ceiling and walls. We are advised there are over 20,000 hand made ceramic tiles and 200 stained glass windows. We all were asked to observe the custom of removing our shoes and ensuring the girls had their hair and shoulders covered.

The evening was finished off with a great time at one of the local restaurants we had become friendly with. The Turks really do have a sharp wit and great sense of humour.

We finally staggered home at around mid night. A great way to finish off our Istanbul experience together.

Today was another hot day so we decided to take a river cruise along the Bosphorus which gave a great view of the Old City (Eastern culture) and the New City (Western culture). The cruise took around 3hrs and after we found one of the vast numbers of cafe’s to have a bite to eat and a coffee.

We then made our way to Taksim Square which is considered to be the heart of the modern city of Istanbul. The term “modern city” in reality means there is Pizza Hut, H&M, Burger King etc.

The afternoon we all crashed out back at the apartment we were staying at following all the walking and the heat of the day.

The evening was yet another opportunity to experience the food of Istanbul. If ever you get the opportunity to visit this famous city you will certainly enjoy the variety of food there is on offer. You won’t be disappointed.

Istanbul is a very interesting city, with 24m residents every millimetre is utilised and there is always someone waiting to sell you something should you stop in the street to take breath for too long.

We have also arrived during the Muslim religious period of Ramadan which is the 9th month of the Islamic calendar and involves fasting during daylight hours. Fasting is one of the five pillars of Islam and is observed by Muslims world wide to commemorate the first revelation of the Quran.

The result of the fasting during daylight means that the place bursts into life at night. Families are out having picnics on any spare flat land and cars, scooters and trolleys fill the streets

Another facinating aspect to this city is the “Call to Prayer” that occurs 5 times a day and is broadcast “loudly” from every mosque across the county , starting at around day break and the final call occurring around 10:30pm each night. The Arabic chants are extremely captivating as you hear the sound originating from such a holly place as the Blue Mosque.

Today was primarily take up by walking the streets and exploring the Grand Bazaar which I must say appears to be totally geared for tourists now which is a bit disappointing but to be expected.

Today was a day that came with great excitement as both Jo and Kathy (David’s wife) were arriving to meet us. After yesterday’s ride it the icing on the cake!

Both Steve and I slept like babies following yesterday’s adventure. Once we awoke and sat at the local cafe sipping on Turkish coffee (great flavour). We had time to have a chuckle at the ride which also included riding up footpaths and doing manoeuvres that would have us in front of a judge in Australia but in Istanbul were the norm.

the girls arrived at 6:30pm to find Steve and I sitting at a cafe quietly sipping on a beer. Of corse we rushed to assist with their baggage and arranged wine to celebrate.

We now have until Saturday 11th before we must move on, but for now Istanbul is to be explored.

We finished the evening with a fine dinner on a roof top restaurant overlooking the the “Old City”.