Photos from the last day

Heres a few pics rom last night and today.....

Waiting for the night bus is Goreme

This bus just hit a wall!!

Dodgy Motel - Would you stay
here?

Lisa kipping on bus 2

Our dodgy minibus to hell!!

View from out treehouse!! NICE!

Steps up to our treehouse!

The beach 500 metres walk

Our adopted dog!!

Bus of doom - beach and treehouses

Just after 7.30pm our new adventure began as we headed away from Flintstone's cave hotel, towards the bus station in town. We have had a good afternoon mellowing out by the pool. Me and Lisa ventured into town earlier in the day for a bit of dinner and to check out when and where the bus left from. On the way into town we ran into Kenneth, who had returned from the Ozbus, to pick up his passport that he had left behind! Doh! After a chat we made it down to the bus station with time to get in some mints and biscuits for the journey. One of the other buses was leaving as we sat waiting, but it didn’t get far as it immediately drove into a wall after about 3 feet. There was a loud crash and everyone saw a pile of dust rise from the broken wall and broken bus. It couldn’t have been serious though as the driver reversed and then drove off towards his destination. Our bus was a few minutes late, but when it arrived we boarded and took our seats. We chatted a little with a couple who were on their way to Istanbul with their bikes and then after 4 or 5 stops in the first half an hour, the lights were switched off and we tried to get some kip. It wasn’t as comfy as our bus, because we all had to share seats, but I think we all managed a bit of sleep. On the way we stopped a couple of times for breaks, including one stop where we saw the most sinister Motel entrance door. It looked like something from a 50s movie and we wondered if anyone who had ever slept there had ever left. After one stop to drop passengers off there were spare seats so we were able to spread out a little and get some real sleep.

We arrived in Antalya just after 7am and were greeted by a dodgy looking bloke saying 'Olimpos, Olimpos?' , we asked how much a ticket was and were quoted 10 lira. However we needed a toilet first so took it in turns to look after the bags. The first bloke wandered off to be replaced by a second even stranger bloke – 'Olimpos?, Olimpos? Come now – Olimpos?', he said in the deepest voice I have ever heard. It didn’t help that he stared straight into your eyes and stood bolt upright with hands behind his back. He would have been perfectly suited to say – 'Your soul, I want your soul, I swap your soul for a bus to Olimpus!!' -He was a very scar y bloke!!

However, we felt compelled to follow him -Maybe he hypnotised us and now we are all off to hell! He led us through the worst security check ever – Walking through a metal detector, with full backpack, whilst a security guard looked at us, listened to the alarms going off and then just waved us on, before we boarded our small 16 seater minibus to hell – Sorry I meant 'Olimpos – Olimpos? Olimpos? Olimpos!'.

When we left Antalya bus station, it got even weirder – The bus driver drove at no more than 5 mph, for the first ten minutes. We looked at each other wondering what was going on. There was nothing wrong with the minibus and the driver seemed OK, but he just drove us away from the bus station – very very slowly!He kept driving on the main road then onto the adjacent minor road before going back onto the road he had just come off. He did speed up after 10 minutes or so, but as soon as he did, he pulled off the main road, past some goats who were enjoying breakfast in the rubbish and onto a piece of waste land. Awal predicted that this was where we would be killed!!! hahaa!. The driver then pulled up by a small food stall, got off the bus leaving the engine running and sat down with a few other dodgy looking geezers for what must be his breakfast break.

The next hour or so passed by quickly – even though the driver kept dropping off and picking up wired people every couple of miles. I swear he dropped off one bloke, with a mullet and 10 miles later he picked up the same bloke!! This was turning into a really fooking weird trip!

Anyway, a few miles later the bus dropped us off in – 'the middle of fooking nowhere'. - Or so we thought – As soon as we got off the bus in what appeared to be a dusty car park in the middle of nowhere – guess what – another dodgy bloke appeared – This one though wasn’t as dodgy as Beelzebub who we met in Antalya. He lobbed our bags into the back of a 15 seater minibus and us and the other 18 passengers (Yep – 19 passengers in a 15 seater bus!) headed off down the side of a hill on a dirt track towards what we thought was the town of Olimpos!

After 10 or 15 mins though we realised that Olimpos isn’t a town – Its a series of shacks, tree-houses, sheds, and any other kind of wooden building built alongside a dried up river in a spectacular wooded valley – We were dropped off at Bayram hostel and shown our home for the night – A tree-house – Actually a large garden shed in the woods, with air con and 4 beds!! You even have to climb through the branches of a lime tree to get in the door! Its ace!

We settled in and had a free breakfast – omelettes and fresh fruit, cheese etc. Then decided to head to the beach, 500 metres down the valley. Lisa went to drop off the washing and then lost our room key, but it didn’t matter as we were simply given another key!

It was then down to the beach.

The beach is gorgeous – small pebbles rather than sand and a crescent shaped bay. The sea is the clearest and warmest I have ever seen. We spent a couple of hours down there swimming and sunbathing and we knew we had picked a good spot when a local dog joined us in the shade under a rock. We named it Chester, until we realised it was a female dog, so quickly renamed it Chelsea – We didn’t want to confuse it!! Anyway, by 1pm ish we were all getting a bit tired after the long night on the bus's so headed back to the tree-house for a rest. We stopped along the way to look at the Roman ruins that are spattered throughout the valley. When we got back we managed to borrow a couple of towels when the washer woman wasn’t washing and had a shower to freshen up. Then Awal had a rest while me and Lisa went down to the bar to mellow out. Yet again, I shit you not, it has been a great day!! haahaa! If you are reading this, look around you – what do you see? I’m in an open air hut surrounded Turkish cushions, music playing in the background and a drink on the table. There are stunning 200foot cliffs across the road and dry river and its about 35deg Celsius I suppose you could say I’m content!!

Photos to follow soon!

Orphans

Well today is 21st September and its a day that we havent really been looking forward to.
Today is the day that the bus leaves and heads towards Iran, whilst me Lisa and Awal, stay behind. Orphans, left to fend for ourselves. We are the unfortunates who were refused, for some reason or other, we will never know, our visas for Iran. So instead of visiting there, with the rest of the bus, we have to spend 4 nights on a turkish gulet cruise, snorkelling, sunbathing and relaxing. It was really strange to wave the bus off this morning - It was really nice though of everyone to wish us well and give us hugs - Even Becky, who is suffering a little from eating something dodgy and didnt sleep much, managed to wave us goodbye as the bus left.
We will miss you guys, all of you and cant wait to see you in India!! Have a great time!! Especially my little bus family - Becky, Frankie and Laura!! Miss you guys! Bev (and badboy), Donna, Vicky, Helen and David, Jaime, Linda, Mark and Chris!! Barry -gonna miss you fella!! Fook it, im gonna miss everyone!! Sorry if I didnt name you in person!! Have a great time!!!

Ozbus leaves and the orphans remain

Me and Dainis - cheers dude!! It has been great!!

I also said thanks to Dainis, our Latvian bus driver for the last 2 and a half weeks. The guy drives all day, gets lost, drives a bit more and can turn the bus around on a sixpence - which he has done most days!! He a great bloke, though, so I'm gonna miss him a bit too!!
Anyway -Dainis drove the bussers away leaving us three all on our own. We sat down for a bit of breakfast and talked about how wierd it now felt. A bus load of people who were strangers just two weeks ago, have left and it feels like close family departing. This trip is a great experience, but sometimes I just dont know how I feel, its very very strange - I wonder how the guys on the bus feel without us!?
We have only 9 days or so though till India and we will make the most of it. So me and Awal took a wander into town, whilst Lisa sat by the pool!! She loves to sunbathe, so while she stayed there we went to the Open air museum and the area around it to see the caves and scenery. On the way we passed a bloke with camels, so took a photo. Then the bloke told us it was 2 euro a photo, with your own camera!! Cheeky bugar! We walked past and then when he wasnt looking, took some more pictures!! haahaa! Up yours fella!!
It was a fun morning, climbing up the slopes and into the caves. In one we climbed up through the roof of the cave into another one and then out through that onto the top of the hill, where there was a great view. We generally messed about for the morning, clombing up and over things like blokes do - chatting about the bus and all the people still on it.

Rocks!
Awal checking out the view

It started to get really hot, so we wandered back into town and picked up some woter before joining Lisa by the pool for the afternoon. Thats where we are now. Its just gone 2pm and we have 6 hours till some mystery dude arrives to get us on the overnight bus towards Olympos. Tomorrow we stay in treehouses (It is absolutely true) Before our 3night 4 day boat trip to Fethiye. Then after a night there, its another overnight bus to Istanbul followed by an overnight plane to Delhi via Dubai -Blimey its wearing me out just talking about it now!! Its gonna be a good week or so!! Keep checking here for updates!!

Hi all you bussers!!! :-)

Yesterday - pool, sun and pile ons!!

It would be nice in a wierd sort of way, to have a shit day, at least then all you lot at home might have summat more interesting to read about instead of how fooking great everything is!
Anyway, unfortunately for you lot, it was yet another fooking great day!! haahaa!
After the run, I basically spent the day by the pool. Me and 5 or 6 other bussers including the usual suspects (Becky, Frankie, Lana and Lisa) basically vegged out, reading, doing puzzle books, jumping in and out of the pool and generally being lazy.
It made a really nice change from bus days or wandering around beautiful historic cities and towns. Lana even got so bored she decided to draw all over my feet - In between I got out my waterproof camera-phone case and had a laugh throwing my phone in the pool and following it in, while taking photos and videos.
About 6pm ish, me Laura and Becky, decided we had lazed enough and went for a walk to try to find somewhere to see the sunset. After a wander into town we found some steps up through and past a cave hotel reception. (All the hotels are built in caves here!!) This brought us out just under a rock with people on top. After scrambling up, we came across a viewing platform and a man with a horse. It had great views, which you can see from the photos on this post. The sun was just peeping out above the horizon, but slowly dropped lower. As it did the sky changed constantly from clear blue, through pinks, reds and orange. This was reflected off the clouds and the distant hills which looked like they were on fire. Everytime we took a pic, two minutes later the sky looked different and we had to take another one. It was simply beautiful to watch - and completely free.
Me and Becky watching the Sky (Not the tv channel!)

Me

After all that we wandered back into town and towards the Hostel to pick up Frankie. She hadnt been feeling too good, so had rested for the afternoon by the pool, but was coming out for a bit of scoff. On the way we passed Mallen (Matt and Allen - aka Hicky and Awal) sitting in a restaurant. So when we met with Frankie, we went back to the guys and sat with them having dinner. Myself and Laura, had local food, while Becky and Frankie couldnt resist the burgers!! All in all it was pretty good and a nice hour sat chatting before heading for ice creams and back to the hostel.

More of the sky- look at picasa for loads more pics of this - (link on the left of the page!)

Becky and Laura looking at the sun (Not the newspaper) Oh yeah - Croooooooocs!!

We decided to sit back down by the pool as it was still early. We were joined by Michele and Olivia so there were about 8 or 9 of us. After a while the guitar came out and we sat messing about and singing the odd song - The best being Outkast and Hey ya -What's better than being cool - the boys shout 'Ice cold', etc etc - Haahaa makes me laugh thinking about it. We got a little telling off from the barstaff as we were singing too loud and might wake people up - so we broke into a version of 'Its oh so quiet...sssshhhhhh ssssshhhhh', haahaa! I suppose you had to be there. It started to get a bit chilly, but we decided to stay there as long as possible and maybe even spend the night kipping there in a big group. But after cuddling up together, someone started a 'pile or, or a 'bundle', for all you southerners..... This upset the barstaff again and after a telling off we were all sent to bed... Haaahaa, it was funny! Like being 5 years old and being sent to bed for being naughty!! It was a good night though.
Im my time I have spent nights out at clubs and pubs with good friends and had a few great nights out. But now, give me half a dozen mates a cold beer and someone who can play a guitar. Mix it with a warm evening and a few cushions lying around by a pool and thats all you need for a great night out........... Haahaa - As usual - Good times!!

Pool

I spent today by the pool, but went up top of the hill to see the sunset. Photos to follow tomorrow -

Cheers to everyone who has commented!! Its nice to know that someone is reading this!!
Seeya tomorrow!! :-)

Heres a teaserMy new mates on my feet

Testing my phone camera in the pool

Balloon photos

By the pool at The Flintstones cave hotel.....All the other photos are the balloon trip...Enjoy










Heres a few pics from this morning.....

On the moon

Well, its now just half past nine – I know that because it says so on my phone. I think its Monday, but who really cares anymore? I'm sat in a Turkish type shed – chaise lange type thing. Basically. A load of cushions on the floor, gathered around a small table and next to the pool. The sun is shining and everyone is beginning to gather around for a lazy day.

I have been up since 5am, when 14 of us climbed aboard a minibus and drove into the countryside for a dawn balloon ride. After a coffee and biscuits for breakfast, we climbed aboard the balloon and floated up above the scenery. It was breathtaking – Some of the girls were very nervous beforehand, but once we were airborne we all loved it.

The views are un-be-li-ev-ab-le. The photos just cannot do this place justice. It is like a moonscape/alien planet. Large sandstone rock formations in hundreds of different mind blowing shapes. Large cylindrical columns, some quite phallic in shape, other like faces staring back at you, up to 30 or 40 metres high. We floated close above them and then up higher into the sky. There were about 50 balloons up there, all floating above, below and around each other. It was just an awesome sight. Have a look at the internet and do a search for Goreme, cappadocia and balloon flights, you will see what I mean. Or look at my picasa link and the photos will be there later. We heard the other balloon pilots (Ours was called Jesus – so we have now flown with Jesus!) talking about shooting up like rockets. After an hour or so, a couple of the group were feeling a little queasy but it was time to land, so we dropped height and landed quite softly. The following land rover pulled by us and the pilot cleverly hopped us all in the basket onto the trailer. Nice!

After we climbed out, we stood around chatting and were served cake and champagne, before being given our certificates of flight.

It was then back into the hostel for breakfast. I decided on an early morning run as it was still only just 8am. I ran out of town into a valley and up along paths, leading through caves and out into a valley with fruit trees and lizards climbing around. I climbed up about 20 metres on one side and screamed out -Heeeeeeeellllllllllloooooooooooooooooooo'. The echo was just amazing, loud clear and about 3-4 seconds after I had shouted. Once again, I cant describe this place. Words fail me. It is just like a different planet. If some kind of alien spider thing climbed out of one of the doors, high up in the sandstone columns, I wouldn’t be surprised. It is just unbelievable.

When I got back from my run it was beginning to get hot, so I jumped straight into the pool – but told off by the hotel receptionist geezer – Maybe next time I should take off my t shirt and trainers – Its OK they will dry quickly. After a quick shower and a breakfast of local fruit and cheese, with tomato's and cucumber, we are now all sat by the pool, as I described it at the beginning.

Today, it is a good day!!

Caves

Right, just a quick one now -
We are in a place called Goreme - Its a town surrounded by old cave dwellings, some of which have been converted into hotels and hostels. We are staying at Flintstones! Its a great place with some cave rooms, some normal rooms a good pool and poo internet! However we are all settled in to our dwellings and are ready for an early start tomorrow to see more scenery from hot air balloons - You would not believe this place so the best thing is to look out for the photos I post tomorrow!! Keep an eye out!!

Oh yeah, Hello to all the family in Macc!!!!

Trying to post

So we left the Hostel in Istanbul just about on time at 8am. We are now two people down from the original 27 as Debbie went home yesterday and this morning, her hubby, Jim, has also decided to leave. It was a shame as they are both really nice – So if you two are reading this – Keep in touch and good luck on your future travels!! Keep in touch, with your bus family!!!

As we left Europe and headed across the Bosphorus bridge into Asia we were all really excited to be entering a new continent. We took some last pictures of Istanbul from the bridge and cheered as Dannis beeped his horn for the change of continents.

About a minute later Dannis followed the directions on his satnav and drove off the motorway down into a small thin backstreet! He decided this was a wrong turn, so not for the first time we reversed back the way we had come – Once back on the motorway it was all back on track. I sat chatting with Laura and Becky about photos and Istanbul itself, when we looked around and saw Matt (Hicky) asleep on the back seat of the bus – It was exactly like a scene from 'weekend at bernies'. He is wearing a baseball cap, dark glasses and a neck pillow, but his head is lolling around as we move. If you haven’t seen the film, google it and compare to the photo I will post and you will see what I mean – That’s going to be entertainment for today’s long journey!

Ok, Its now a few hours later. We have had one stop so far – It was only a short one (THATS WHAT SHE SAID) but there was still enough time for everyone to be confused by a coffee machine, I saw a dog with more nipples than I have ever seen before and worse of all – There were these tdssy bear dolls in ths shape of bears and chickens with faces like babies!! They were just fookin weird. Me and Becky spent the last 2 hours watching Cemetery Junction and Celebrity Juice – Perfect timing cos we are now stopping for lunch!! Cool.

It was a nice break from the bus – Everyone sat round chatting – Mostly about different positions for the ladies to assume when using the now regular squat toilets. There were many varied positions such as standing up and putting your feet as wide as you can. Leaning right back on your heels and the favourite which was nicknamed 'The diaper position'. Basically you, pull the legs of your hareem pants (The new bus fashion for the girls – A direct quote – 'Its like going commando, its so cool 'down there''!!) Back to the diaper position:- Pull your hareem pants legs to one side, reach backwards through your legs and grab the elasticated waist -Then pull this back through your legs and forward away from ground zero – Stay like this while you water the plants, then carefully return to normal after stamping your feet!! I was going to take photos for demonstration purposes but there were no volunteers! ;-(

Back on the bus, the bussers were fairly quiet for the next couple of hours. I sat at the front and chatted with Lana – then she fell asleep and I played a few games on her Ipod. Suddenly I saw something weird out of the front window – A dried up lake bed! It turned out that this was our break stop, so everyone wandered out to the salty earth to take pics. It was gone 4pm, but with the reflection off the salt, it was roast tins out there! Becky and Frankie, ever the adventurers decided to take off their shoes, to get the exfoliating effect from the dry salt. However, this was a mistake because the rock hard salt was like 'being stabbed by a million pin pricks'!! Shoes went straight back on after dusting their feet!After a few photos we were on our way back to the bus, but stopped to try on a few hats -They were either too expensive for Becky or didn’t suit me (I will get my self a straw hat, even though I look like a knob!) Then Lana pointed out two ostriches lying under a tarpaulin, so we had a look at them before piling back into the biscuit tin again – Next stop Goreme and what we believe will be an unusual hotel!! On the way I received a text from my brother Gareth and nephew Mikie, who are at the Man Utd v Liverpool game, they sent me a photo of them in the Stretford end, but nothing about the score, so I sent them a photo back of me at the Salt lake and asked for updates on the game – Nothing yet though – Come on Man U!!

A packet of negros was passed around by Bev! They are lovely sweet dark biscuits and we all like them – Nom nom nom!!! Give me another negro (Biscuit!) :-) Bev is happy to be mentioned in the blog, so she just passed me another negro!! Nom nom nom – Cheers Bev!!

Photos from Istanbul

Beckys reflection from the top of Galata Tower

Heres a few more pics from Istanbul

Becky Mark and Frankie on the tower

Me in the blue mosque

Birthday celebrations

Birthday dinner

Today we go to asia

After breakfast today we had a walk up to The Blue Mosque. After queuing to get entry I have to say we were slightly disappointed. Outside, the building is spectacular, but inside, although it is beautifully decorated, it was slightly spoilt by the tourists. We tried to abide with the rules about headdress and clothing, but it was obvious that some other people really couldn’t give two shits about the traditions. In a place where people should have the utmost respect, they were wandering around seemingly without a care in the world, pushing past and generally acting as typical tourists. I’m not normally one for having a go, but the atmosphere wasn’t what I expected and left me a little flat because of them all.

Anyway the mosque is itself well worth a visit – We would love to go when prayers are on, but we didn’t see this today.

After that the girls were going to see the other mosque, but it was expensive to get in, so we decided instead to head towards the tower overlooking the city instead.

It was a long hot walk along the seafront, but we chatted and watched the fishermen and the strange blokes with guns we saw shooting balloons and bottles by the side of the road! Then after a pit stop for chicken kebabs and the loo we crossed the bridge and up a steep hill towards the tower.

After taking the lift to the 7^th floor we climbed the staircase and then spent about 15minutes just trying to get onto the outside viewing area. People are supposed to go clockwise, but as they stopped for photos, the queue backed up right back to the stairs. Its a really good view once you are there though. So good that Becky kept taking photos of the same boat on the river. After a lap of the tower and a use of the free toilets, which have the greatest view of any I have used, plus have really cool arched ceilings - we went back down and sat under the bridge in one of the many cafés and cars - This is a really cool place with lots going on – Tourists eating and drinking and a market at either end of the bridge selling all sorts of Turkish food, fish and goods. We had a quick walk around after a drink and then made our way back to the hostel – including an underpass which is part of the market and is absolutely mental!! Thousands of people trying to get through a small thin passage with stalls down either side. All good fun though. Then it was back home for a rest – except the girls who needed to do a little more shopping for clothes – We left them as the guy who owned the shop was showing them a pair of trousers meant for a 250kg girl!! God knows!! haahaa!

We all met up again later after we had had a rest and a shower. A few of the gang including Lana, Chris, Isabelle, Jim and Laura all decided to go out together for a bit of dinner. We only went down the street but had a nice dinner together- chatting about all sorts of stuff, people on the bus, why we are here, plans for the future etc.

I decided to have a walk to find the location of the Travel company 'Indigo', in preparation for the end of the boat trip that we are taking instead of Iran. Everyone else went home apart from Becky, so the two of us had a wander down the backstreet’s of Istanbul until we found the office on a corner behind the Blue Mosque. Once the recce was done we walked back up around the mosque and into the square where there is a fountain that has changing colours. We sat there for the best part of an hour, just chatting, watching people go past and having a lovely mellow evening. It was then nearly midnight so after a few photos we walked back past the other mosque, I fell over a low wall, but with my cat like reactions managed to do so without hurting myself! We headed back towards the Hostel. Becky jumped out of her skin at one point when a moped pizza delivery boy rode past and her jumping shit me up more than the noise of bike going past did! It was time for bed, so after a few good nights to the bussers sitting outside we all went to bed. Tomorrow we head towards Goreme, which is going to be our longest day on the bus so far. It's expected to be 8-10 hours, but I would be surprised if its less than 12....We will see how it goes tomorrow, but to end this today, I would just like to say – If you haven’t been to Istanbul, you are missing out. It is a great place and has gone in at a surprise no.1 in the places we have visited so far!

Its now early doors tomorrow and we are all outside and waiting for the bus. Frankie is telling me that her sister is reading the blog - Hi Frankies suister!!! Its ok, Frankie hasnt had any cake yet today - Although it is olnly half 7! –

Anyway today we cross the Bosphorus and head for asia!!! Good times!!!

Retirement dinner

The night out was pretty damn good. It started perfectly with a power outage down the whole street. This went on for over an hour, so it meant we sat in the dusk, candles lit (Some real and others fake candles) just chatting having a quiet drink and waiting for the lights to come back on. When they did, there was a big cheer from everyone, then a groan as they went off again - Then fits of giggles and laughing at how stupid we all sounded! haahaa!
When the lights eventually came on for a third time, they stayed on and the food came out. It was good Turkish food and went down well. Me and Jaime, who's birthday it is tomorrow had the usual happy birthday songs (although I tried to change the words on mine, to happy retirement).
I was surprised by being given a present from everyone, in the shape of a shoe box. I expected slippers, but after going through the 20 or so plastic bags that wrapped the gift, I was shocked to see a retirement gold watch!! It is the most beautiful and stylish watch you could ever wish for - Not!! Haahaa! Its a massive gold monstrosity, but I am genuinely touched that I have it. Along withe the hair clip and a really nice Turkish bangle, it has added an extra touch to the day.
After we had cake (some more than others eh Frankie!!) We headed back to the rooftop bar of the hostel and sat chatting, singing round the guitar and generally having a good time till after 1am. I was knackered - I am now an old man!! haahaa! So I went to bed.

Istanbul haahaa!! Its fucking great!!

After Breakfast everyone pretty much decided to do the same thing – To visit the Grand Bazaar! The girls all have to get their Iran clothes – Basically they need to have clothes that hide their body shape and heads covered. Its really strange for us fellas though, because we can pretty much wear our own clothes – at least those that are going to Iran can. At the moment that’s everyone but me, but Awal may also not be able to go as his visa details weren’t at the embassy when he went along to get them today.

Anyway, about 10 of us -all the usual suspects, had a walk up to the Grand Bazaar together, stopping on the way to get cash and bottled water. I don’t know what I expected – maybe something like old wooden market stalls and loads of dodgy looking men pickpocketing every tourist as he passes, but we were all actually really pleasantly surprised. The bazaar is like a maze. Hundreds of stalls selling clothes, trinkets and jewellery – all brightly coloured and each different street or lane looking exactly like all the others. It had a great noise – of people bartering, chatting and generally enjoying a good old fashioned shopping spree. Locals mix with tourists and the stallholders all have their lines – 'Hey English, you Chelsea or Manchester?' to the men and 'Hey, Its a white angel', to the girls. Its all good banter though and good fun.

The girls found a stall selling what they needed for Iran, but were taken aback by the price- about £50 for something they expected to pay £10 for. However, they found another stall a few feet away selling the same thing much cheaper. After a bit of bartering and confusion, they got their Hare-em pants and long sleeved tops for about £20 the lot!! We continued to wander around and check out the stalls, having fun with the locals until lunch. It was then a bit of a wander through the crowded outside stalls and market to find somewhere to eat. We eventually found a great little café doing good food and climbed the stairs to the 3^rd floor where we had a great view of all the hustle and bustle while we ate. The food was good and so after our rest we headed back into the Bazaar for the girls to try and get head scarves too. They had already been quoted 14 Lira earlier in the day, but this time the price had risen to 20!! Becky and Frankie were now in their element and after a quick round of bartering got the geezer down to 15 lira. Earlier in the day Frankie had already got a 40lira price down to 18!!

It was getting on by now and so we decided to wander slowly back to the hostel and drop off the shopping before heading down to the sea front for a while. When we arrived at the Hostel we were greeted by two strange freshly shaved Americans!! Hicky and Awal, who had full beards just a couple of hours ago, were now as smooth as babies bums. They had been to a local Turkish barber and experienced a great close 'long blade' shave. We all then headed down to the sea front. It was bloody lovely down there. The sun was still out and there were fishermen everywhere on land and in boats, plus the odd container-ship floating past. We just sat chatting on the rocks, enjoying the views and the cool air off the sea. This was just one of those moments when you look around at each other, at the views and where we were and just smile. Everyone was happy, joking, relaxed and just loving life. Nothing matters at times like these and it was just one of those moments. I suppose that is what we are doing this all for. The fact that it is my 40^th birthday didn’t matter in the slightest. To put it simply – It was just a great day. Some of the guys left us there and took a walk down the seafront and we stayed where we were, taking the odd splash from the waves against the rocks, before we made our way back towards the hostel, via the laundry to get our clean clothes.

I didnt think I would like Istanbul, but I have to say that it is a great place so far - Especially the haunting 'Call to Prayer', I thought I would find it annoying but even at half 5 in ther morning, I had a smile listening to its sound. Istanbul not Constantinople!! haahaa!! Cue the tuba music Laura!! :-)

It is now a short while before we head across the road for dinner and another nice evening.

Life is good!!

A few photos from Istanbul

Istanbul at night from the roof terrace.

Shopping

Fun at the Bazaar

The Sea at Istanbul

As usual all the photos can be found at the picasa link on the left...

Turkey -

Right we are now in Turkey, Istanbul to be exact. It was a long journey yesterday made even longer due to the mad traffic in Istanbul. It actually took us two hours to get to the Hostel after reaching the city. We had yet another bit of a tour of the city, due to not being able to turn when we wanted to and then every time we wanted to u turn and go back towards the Hostel, we couldn't turn the way we wanted. Finally after taking one final wrong turn and having to reverse the bus the wrong way up a one way street, we finally parked outside The Orient Hostel. We were watched as we unloaded by all the tourists in bars and on the street, pointing at us and then reading the Ozbus sign on the side of the bus.
After a funny welcome song - His version on Hotel California, we all piled up stairs to the roof top bar for dinner and a few drinkys. Its a great view, overlooking the Bosphorus one one side and the world famous Blue Mosque on the other.
A few of us tried the shish water things again while others sat on the terrace for a while admiring the views and chatting.

This morning I was up and out for a run along the coast. It was my last PFT as a squaddie and I managed a time of 10.38. That's not bad for a 40 year old!!
Then after putting my washing in and getting a shower I went upstairs to the bar for breakfast and to meet up with everyone for the day out! Becky is moaning, Frankie punched me in the face, then Becky pulled her hair and threw her off the balcony - They expect a full recovery!!
Actually that is all bollocks - they are sitting next to me talking shite!! Its all good though!! Is anyone even reading this!?