Turkish Delights...

...not! I have to say that I am not impressed with Istanbul at all, other than the fact that I am in Turkey! We had a nice tour guide, but it seemed that the whole time he was selling us on Islam, not the way I wanted to spend the day here. Luckily I didn't meet the British couple until I returned from the tour who told me that there was a bomb here a month ago. I just wasn't comfortable here. I was on the bus before the tour and the guide started discussing our politics and upcoming election with me. I have yet to visit a country where someone doesn't have an opinion! I am amazed at the way American politics must effect the world, it is a surprise how much knowledge people seem to have. But back to Istanbul...

We went to Sophia mosque, named after a Sultana. It was a little harder for me to understand and hear this guide so I did not learn as much as I have been learning. The mosque is quite famous and is now a museum and was filled with many people, tourists. It is Sunday here so many people were quite sad that we are missing the Grand Bazaar, but we did have an interesting time in the Turkish rug store. I was sitting on one of the fancy divans having rugs thrown on the floor for my inspection as I sipped apple tea in a small delicately shaped glass cup. That was quite fun and the men were charming, but I decided I really didn't need an all silk 2x4 turkish rug that cost $1800!! Even though it did include shipping and insurance! I almost bought a small one, but they didn't have the colors I liked, but it is a memory I will have for a long time! Who would have ever dreamed I would be sitting under one of those canopies inspecting Turkish rugs!? Not me! And don't despair, I did quickly purchase a tiny souvenir rug for 5 euros on the walk back to the bus, something tells me it isn't real silk! And it is about 3 inches x 5 inches. Perfect for the classroom!

After the rug store experience we drove across a suspension bridge that took us to Asia. I guess it's not a bad day when you've been in 2 continents! We took a walk to a scenic point and I had the choice of turkish coffee, water or a coke so I had a good old American coke standing in Asia! Okay, not a bad way at all to spend a day! We drove back to the ship with a few hours left and I asked about going back into town and the guide actually discouraged us from doing that, so I decided to follow his suggestions, and of course was glad later when I heard the bomb story. We have all but 2 passengers aboard now and are about to sail for Kusadasi. So everyone is safe and we are on our way.

I asked our guide, nickname Ali, about trying Turkish delight and he said to wait until tomorrow, I will find a place where it is good for sure. I hope so, I would hate to leave Turkey without a taste. I have a feeling I will enjoy tomorrow, it is a smaller place and people say it feels safer. I guess I am not going to Epsesus after all, one of the ancient cities. Oh well, I've seen ancient this trip and on others, so I will survive!

Some people who were in Rome have a wonderful story to tell. They were in St. Peter's square and noticed a lot of movement and before they knew it the Popemobile drove in and the Pope got out and waved to everyone!! People, even those who aren't Catholic are thrilled with this unexpected event. I'm a little jealous, I would have loved to have gotten to see him too! He did address some school children who were there from Poland and then did a short service, in Italian. That would have been even better than eating the spaghetti in Florence!

Food on the Emerald, still wonderful! The sandwiches at lunch thing must be daily here and now I'm quite used to the options and enjoyed a couple of nice combinations with a little fish and chips in honor of my British friends! I met another lovely British couple at lunch and we chatted for a couple of hours and enjoyed it. I have met many wonderful people on this trip, however I never see them more than once! I really like the lady from Spain who is traveling alone and we speak Spanish when we speak. Her english is wonderful, but what good practice for me! She lives about 5 minutes from Mijas, the beautiful place I visited in Spain last fall so I know how lovely her village is.

Well, I am headed to the top deck to hear the man talk about all that we will see as we leave Istanbul, one of the busiest ports in the world. Right now there are 4 ships docked in a row along the dock, so it will be interesting to see how we get out from between them.

So Istanbul will soon become part of my past and I will look ahead to Kusadasi and whatever adventures await me there!