Today we are on an overnight tour that will take us down to Gallipoli (Gelibolu) and then overnight in Canakkale (on the Asian side of Turkey), and the a tour through historic Troy before heading back to Istanbul later in the evening of the second day. The trip from Istanbul down to Gallipoli took almost 5 hours on our small private tour bus - 11 people in group all up. ...
So our second full day in beautiful Istanbul has been packed with sight seeing - all the usual touristy places: The Blue Mosque, Aya Sophia, The Spice Bazaar, and Taksim Square (notably we are leaving the Grand Bazaar for a later day). Up and out reasonably early this morning our hotel is well positioned only a short walk to both the Blue Mosque and Aya Sophia. Up the hill and to the Blue Mosque first. ...
So after our first day in Istanbul I can confess it has well and truly won me over. There is something about Istanbul… Something I can’t quite put my finger on… something that has defiantly drawn me in. This morning I find myself waking early - possibly due to jet lag, possibly due to the prayer calls - but I’m not complaining in the least. I headed up to the roof top terrace of our hotel to sit and watch as Istanbul slowly comes to life as the sun rises. ...
Wow, long flight overnight again. Seems like forever ago that we were checking in to our flight in KL airport. Anyway the flight was reasonably uneventful again (which in the case of air travel is actually a positive attribute). We landed in at Ataturk airport in Istanbul at about 6am this morning. Apparently the Visa fee’s have increased… Last time Laura was here the Visa cost $20 USD, they now weigh in at a more hefty $60 USD (or $45 Euro). I guess when it comes time to find more money from taxes it’s easier to get it from the visitors than upset the locals. ...
Day 1 So we arrived in Kuala Lumpur bright and early after a reasonably uneventful overnight flight from Melbourne. After navigating the necessary immigration and customs desks, we collected our bags and headed for KL city. The express train to Kuala Lumpur central station was an easy 30 minute trip. Getting ripped off by our taxi driver at the station was also “easy”. Who would have thought two sleep deprived foreign tourists who had no idea how much things should cost would have been easy targets… Must have been the sleep glazed look in our eyes. ...
So I have started to put some more thought into the content of my blog - trying to refocus back on why I originally started it - travel, stories and experiences. To that end, I have started to go back over our travels, and reminisce about the stories and experiences we have had. This has lead me to start thinking about the destinations I enjoyed the most - my Top 10, as well as putting together the wish list - my travel destination bucket list… the places I would love to see next. ...
So Laura and I will be heading off to Turkey in a few weeks. While Laura has been to Turkey twice previously, this will put a tick in the “done” column on my travel bucket list. The more people we talk to about Turkey, the better it sounds - I haven’t met anyone yet with a bad story, and actually all the stories I have heard sound fantastic. It will be a reasonably whirlwind trip this time, about 11 days in total made up of 2 days in Kuala Lumpur on the way over, then the rest of our time in Turkey being mainly concentrated in Istanbul with an overnight trip to Gallipoli (to see the ANZAC war memorials and battle fields) and historic Troy. ...
So we are back on dry land after 7 nights aboard the the Pacific Dawn - why are we still rocking? Sailing out of Brisbane about a week ago, all seemed fine… the sun was out, the Brisbane river was calm, as were the waters off the Queensland coast line. Time for the group to start relaxing with a few refreshing beverages (long island ice tea’s became a favourite) up on the pool deck - what a life… ...
By this time next week we will be cruising in the middle of the South Pacific - sun, sea breeze, and the obligatory beer/cocktail. The cruise will take us on a whirlwind 7 nights through the South Pacific visiting Vanuatu, Noumea and the Isle of Pines on the way. Cruising is a completely new experience for us and can’t wait to leave dock next Saturday. No doubt we will have some great photos to share from the cruise, so I will post them once we return. ...
Well the long weekend is over, and we survived the weather… Paradise Valley was great. What better way to relax than sitting by the camp fire, drinking a few cold ones with mates. Can’t wait until the next long weekend.