Return to Istanbul

Last day! We take a last look at the view from our room at the Marine Hotel in Kusadasi and board the van for an hour's drive to Izmir where we catch a Turkish Airlines flight back to the pulsing metropolis of Istanbul. Although Murat is clearly not feeling his best this morning, he efficiently shepherds his little flock through check in and security, taking care as always to point out the location of the WC.  As Vicky points out, no one has ever been more considerate of our bladders. However busy the schedule, WC breaks are always a well-timed part of the itinerary; nothing to scoff at considering the amount of tea and delicious fruit juices we consume - not to mention beer and wine too. The flight is only an hour, but we are still served a cheese and tomato sandwich, with olives, a beverage and some cake. While waiting for take off, we are offered chocolates. Impressive! Shades of Porter Airlines. Take that Air Canada and all you other North American regional airlines that make you PAY for a paltry packaged snack.

A van is waiting at the airport to take us to the Q Inn Hotel; the one in Sirkeci, the Old City, where we expected to stay the first time. The view from our room window is very back street urban. Turkish music and sounds from friendly chatter pour into our 1st Floor window. I love it. We are somehow very happy to be in Istanbul again, with all its hubbub and vibrant street life. There are a couple of things left on our agenda before we depart, so we hurry out to the Grand Bazaar - but oh, no, its Friday and the bazaar is closed.

No worries, we still have the Spice Market on the list - but it's closed too! Ah, Friday, the major prayer day in the Muslim week. At least there is lots of activity and stalls open in alleys around the Spice Market, busy with local shoppers. We take the opportunity to have one last glass of fresh crushed pomegranate juice.

And then it dawns on us, we still have to pick up our carpets. What if they close early on Friday? We scurry along busy streets to the Iznik Fine Art Gallery where Orham and his partner welcome us like old friends. Even though Orham is packed and ready to go on a trip, we are treated to tea and genial conversation. I know this is just good business, but it's nice to be treated with such charm. We part with hugs and good wishes.

This evening we have our last group get together. Murat takes us on the tram to Taksim Square where not so long ago local protesters faced off against the government over proposed development in the popular park adjacent to the square. Today its all peaceful. The people won that round and the square and its surroundings are buzzing with activity.

It's a great way to end our holiday in Turkey. We enjoy the sights and sounds; the vendors and busy shops, pretty with festive lights.There is even time to shop for some last souveinirs.

Murat has chosen a restaurant for our last supper and we have a communal meal of a tasty selection of local specialty mezes.

Some us will share a bus to the airport tomorrow, but we have hugs all round, thank Murat profusely and prepare to say good bye to Istanbul.