WE CAN'T GET AWAY FROM ZOE

We see Zoe, Empress of Byzantium, in company with Jesus at St Sophia in Istanbul. How about that!

AN UNHOLY TRINITY IN ST SOPHIA

AT TOPKAPI PALACE IN ISTANBUL

Christine x 2 plus Stu, relaxing in the shade

TYPICAL BEER DRINKER IN ISTANBUL

With tax on wine at 400%, I've been drinking more beer than usual

IN THE LAP OF LUXURY

We're now half way down the west coast of Turkey in the Charisma Hotel, which really lives up to its name. Our suite (separate bedroom and sitting room) overlooks the lavish pool and the Aegean is just past that. We'll retire for the night with the sound of the waves rocking us to sleep.

Everything is going so well. Istanbul was great and the reunion with Chris and Stu (and Andy) a real treat. The tour is a big group, but that hasn't hampered our enjoyment.

Well post pictures tomorrow.

Much love to all.

NEARLY SABOTAGED, BUT NOW IN TURKEY

We left our hotel in Athens with the city in chaos with a new set of demonstrations (only one block away). The taxi could barely move, so the driver took us to the station via a dizzy mix of narrow streets and near scrapes. What a drive! The train to Thessaloniki was very comfortable. THEN HORROR STRUCK! The train to Istanbul was cancelled - no more until Thursday. Luckily there was a Turkish-operated bus scheduled for a 10.00pm departure (three hours later) and we managed to find the depot (if you could call it that). Turned out to be a quite luxurious bus - movies for each seat, drinks etc. Withe the refund from the train, we weren't out of pocket, either. We phoned our tour's emergency number to arrange transport to the hotel - and here we are at the Conrad - very grand - 5 star - and Istanbul looks fabulous. Andy will be arriving later this afternoon.

BIRTHDAY GREETINGS

BELATED BIRTHDAY GREETINGS TO BOTH ZOE AND WILL. WE HOPE YOU HAD GREAT CELEBRATIONS. MUCH LOVE TO YOU BOTH.