Istanbul to Aaman

Good sleep in after the long day yesterday.  Another beautiful breakfast,  Ian's eyes playing up, we need a days rest. Packed bags, transport picked us up midday for the airport.  The traffic was horrendous.  Flight left on time, 2.30pm,  except we were half an hour waiting to take off.  We counted the planes in line waiting, at least 20. Two hour flight; Art was waiting for us, it was good to see him. Josemi was at home when we arrived there and it was wonderful to see her, she looks very well. We had a lovely evening talking over dinner. Art gave Ian some Homeopathic tablets for his eyes.

Photo's of Turkish Memorials

We found these interesting.

Galipoli - 17 hours return

Bus picked us up at 6.30am, 20 Australians and 6 kiwis, 350kms drive to our lunch break at noon. Tour of the battlefields started at 1pm.  The tour guide was incredibly knowledgeable,  he was turkish but he concentrated on the ANZAC campaigns.  There was a series of errors on 25 April 1915 which stopped them from achieving their goals.  The impression we got from the guide was that the turks were defending their homeland, and did it at tremendous cost of life to them. We felt very somber looking at all the plaques of the young ANZACS who died fighting in a confined area. We felt very sad but thankful we were able to visit where our country's came to nationhood.  The four and a half hour drive back was very tiring. Bought some baklava to have with a cup of tea before bed.

Tour of Istanbul

Breakfast on the garden roof of the hotel.  This was very similar to the breakfasts we experienced in the hotels in South America last year. Tour guide, Tulip,  picked us up; a group of 10, all Anzac's.  The tour was for 9 hours, Topkapi Palace, Aya Sofya,  Blue Mosque,  Lunch, Hippodrome and the Grand Bazaar (Kapah Carsi). Our heads were spinning  from the grandeur of architecture and wealth of the Sultans.  Back to hotel after 6pm, bought some baklava which we enjoyed with a cup of tea.  Istanbul is amazing,  the history of the different cultures that have conquered and settled from time immemorial.  The Crusaders were the exception,  they plundered the city.  We have another big day tomorrow.

A message for Seaneinn

Is it possible for you to send your email address to ian.loma236@gmail.com.

Madrid to Istanbul

Left hotel at 7am,  used metro to get to the airport.  Flight half an hour late so arrived in Istanbul approximately 4pm. We were collected at the airport and driven to the hotel which is situated in the old quarter.  Quick bite to eat,  couldn't find a restaurant that sold beer, but they do exist.  Realised after eating that there was a mosque across the road. Our hotel is very comfortable.

Madrid

After coffee and tostades caught Metro to Sol station in the heart of the historic area.  Got on the Hop On, Hop Off city of Madrid tour. Commentary was in English;  we were both amazed how old some of the buildings are.  Tour was approximately one and a half hours,  time for paella, beer and a vino tinto. Last minute shopping then walked around for a couple of hours looking at the monuments and historic buildings. Metro back to hotel,  spent some time rearranging our luggage. A 40 minute walk, had a snack then back to hotel. When we leave Spain tomorrow after 44 days it will be quite sad for us.  We have enjoyed the country, the lovely people and the experience of the Camino.