I learned to swim when I was seven years old. My BFF and I used to catch a train to the Kalk Bay Pool twice weekly. It was just three stations away. We would buy a single ticket then use the change to buy an ice lolly and then walk home afterwards. Those were the days! We both loved swimming and were allowed to go to the beach on our own and swim without adult supervision!
2. If so, do you prefer a pool, river or the sea? If not, will you paddle or dip your toes?
I used to love swimming in the sea. Even the pool I learned to swim in was a seawater pool. A freshwater pool was a novelty as very few homes where I resided had pools. Swimming in the country club pool was a real treat. I have swum in dams, lakes and rivers too. I swam regularly until quite recently. Now I usually only swim in pools.
3. Did you have outings to the beach as a child?
I grew up on a beach. It wasn’t an outing it was a lifestyle. I still live near a beach but not the one I grew up on. The house I spent my teenage years in is circled in blue.
Fish Hoek Beach – Western Cape, South Africa
4. Do you like cotton candy (candyfloss)?
It was a great treat as a kid as we could it at the beach kiosk.
Gratitude:
The best part about memories is making them. (I don’t know who said that or where I read it, but it’s very true)
My happiest childhood memories were made on Fish Hoek beach. What a privilege to have been able to raise my children and grandchildren there too.
This is the final report on our amazing holiday with our kids.
Friday, 21 June 2024 – Last evening on MSC Splendida
The last evening on board was White Night where the suggested dress code was to wear something white. I had already packed our bags when I checked on the dress code but managed to find something white for both Earl and me. Neither Lollz nor Sasha had white so Lollz wore her pale gold and Sasha rebelled with black!
Saturday, 22 June 2024 – Istanbul
During the night strong headwinds slowed the ship’s speed so we only docked in Istanbul after 11:00. We should have docked at 10:00. We went up onto the fourteenth deck to see the ship enter the harbour. Istanbul is where East meets West.
The Blue MosqueHagia Sofia The Bridge from Europe to AsiaWelcome to Istanbul
It was after midday before we disembarked and it all went very smoothly. Sasha bade us goodbye as he would be flying to London while the rest of us had booked a hotel for the day. Our flight would leave at 01:40. We took a taxi to Villa Sofia which was very centrally situated.
The owners were very kind and friendly. The girls had a large en suite room with beds for three and enough chairs and couches to sit and relax. The Earl and I were shown to a smaller en suite room with a comfortable double bed and a chair. We were perfectly happy with this and Earl lay down immediately as he needed a nap. A few minutes later the receptionist knocked on the door and offered us a better room. “We want you to be more comfortable. I have a room upstairs for you. Don’t worry about stairs – there is a lift.” I told her there was no need to move us but she was insistent. I did not want to offend her so I went to look at the room. The aircon was working, there was space to sit and the bathroom was bigger. I accepted with alacrity!
The Earl was not feeling up to exploring the city and remained in the comfortable room, napping most of the time but later going up to the rooftop terrace for a drink and snack. The girls and I with directions from our hostess went to explore Istanbul!
I wanted to see inside Hagia Sofia but the queues were long and the girls wanted to see more so we contented ourselves with outside views of both the Blue Mosque and the Hagia Sofia.
The Blue Mosque is also called the Sultan Ahmed Mosque. It was built between 1609 and 1617 during the time of Sultan Ahmed I.
Haga Sofia was originally built as a Christian basilica by Byzantine Emperor Justinian 1 in 537 AD. It was the world’s greatest cathedral for nearly a thousand years. In 1453 following the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople, it was converted into a mosque.
After admiring these beautiful buildings we continued to explore the streets of Istanbul. What a vibrant city it is. It was busy and noisy but the shops were delightful. I could have spent my kids’ entire inheritance on the beautiful jewelry, bags, clothes, shoes silks, cushions, herbs, spices, and confectionery on offer. There were also dozens of street salesmen begging us to view their wares and part with our money. We politely admired what they showed and then sorrowfully declined.
“Come into my shop,” a charming Turk called, “I have beautiful clothes, good prices.” “It’s a beautiful shop,” I replied, shaking my head. “Just like you!” he joked back.
There was no animosity, just friendliness so we did not feel harassed. We were just too poor to buy!
The Grand Bazaar, we were informed, was just a seven-minute walk away. Fifteen minutes later we found it. It is like an enormous mall but crammed with shops of every type. Once again we were encouraged to enter and browse but we were just there to look.
Yet another charming Turk greeted me and asked, “Where are you from?” “South Africa,” I replied. “Goie More!” he said. “Goie More,” I replied “Hoe gaan dit?” “Goed dankie en met jou?” He burst out laughing as he had run out of vocabulary. He told me he had attended his cousin’s wedding in South Africa. “He married a Zulu.” he said proudly. I replied that I also had a cousin married to a Zulu. “From Durban?” he asked. “Indeed,” I replied. He was thrilled we had this in common and put his arm around me and posed for a photograph.
Photo by Dominika – Lisa in the foreground. The Turk and me in the background
On our way back to the hotel we were amused to see a cat reclining on a Turkish carpet outside a shop. In the window were cat-shaped cushions. How cute!
A good sales cat
Lisa loves cats so she stopped to pet this one and then noticed that the store had many different cat cushion covers. She saw one that resembled her cat, Bella, at home. At first, she resisted the temptation to buy it. I said she really should but she shook her head so I walked on. Then Dominika called to me, “We’re going shopping!” And Lisa bought a lovely cat cushion cover!
Lisa’s cushion in pride of place on her couch at home
When we got back it was almost 18:00. We asked the hostess where she suggested we go for a meal. She told us that all the restaurants were good but that the roof terrace also served dinner. If we ate there we would get a 15% discount. “People have told us that our food is good,” she assured us.
We decided this would indeed be our best option. We weren’t disappointed. The view was amazing and the food excellent.
I even spotted 2 parakeet!s
At 21:00 we used the hotel transfer service to take us to the airport, a 30-minute drive away.
Earl had assisted travel and was taken first in a wheelchair, then an electrified moving chair and then a buggy. Fortunately, I was given a seat in the buggy too. Last time I had to jog behind it! It was a long way to our gate. The girls had to wait until the board indicated the gate number at the last minute. The distance they had to walk took at least fifteen minutes! Dominika’s mum was meeting us after her connecting flight from Poland landed but she was nowhere to be seen. Dom reported this to the staff checking us onto the flight and they investigated, They discovered that her flight had been delayed and held our flight until she boarded. What a relief!
It was a 10-hour flight and we arrived at Cape Town International at 11:25. I called the transfer that we had landed and he gave me instructions on where to meet. By the time we’d been through passport control and collected our luggage, it was after midday. What a pleasure to have Steyn pick us up and drive us straight home to Struisbaai! We were home by 3 pm!
Thank you all for following along on our amazing journey.
As I write, we are back home in Struisbaai, South Africa. My data package only worked in England and Europe. While at sea there was no signal unless we were close enough to land. I could keep up with my blog posts until the last two days. I am now catching up with the last few days of our trip.
Although Earl did not feel up to two of our excursions due to being down with a bad cold he was still okay to wander around the ship and enjoy the company of our fellow travellers. He is still not fully recovered so saw the doctor yesterday (Monday) and is taking antibiotics. He should be fully recovered soon.
Thursday 20 June 202 – Athens
It was very hot today. We went on an MSC excursion to Athens but Earl felt too unwell to join us.
We had a lovely Greek lady as our guide and she gave us very interesting information about the city of Athens. We could see The Acropolis and get some photos but climbing up was not an option on this trip. We did try to get tickets but the queues were long and there was not enough time to get there and back to the bus in time so we abandoned that idea.
Lollz and I walked a little further than the others and climbed to a high point where we got awesome views of the city.
The dress I bought in CorfuThe God of the Sea- PoseidonOlypic Stadium Olympic StadiumStatue outside the Olympic Stadium
Friday, 21 June 2024 – Ephesus
Once again Earl was not well enough to come along on this excursion with the rest of us.
Our guide was a delightfully upbeat Turk who kept up a repartee as we travelled to each of our destinations.
First, we visited The House of the Virgin Mary. It is believed by many that Mary and John, the disciple who took care of her after the death of Jesus, left Jerusalem to escape persecution. They settled in a house in a lovely area of Ephesus. A spring flowed on the property and one can drink these very waters. There is no absolute proof that this is where she lived but the evidence is strong. Three popes, namely Pope Paul VI in 1967, Pope Jean Paul ll in 1979, and Pope Benedict VI in 2006, made pilgrimages to the Virgin Mary House. It is an important destination for many Christian pilgrims today. Muslims also visit the site as they regard Jesus as one of their prophets and also honour the Virgin Mary.
Front of house – no photography allowed insideSide of the housePeople leave written prayers in the crevices of this wall
We then went to the archaeological site of Ephesus which is one of the most well-preserved ancient cities in the Mediterranean.
There are remains from several periods in history including the Hellenistic Greeks to the Roman Imperial period. The Library of Celsus and The Great Theatre are its main attractions. The Temple of Artemis was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World but little of it remains today. Ephesus also played an important part in early Christian History. It is believed that the Gospel of John was written here.
We found the toilets quite amusing as this was where the men of the city came to discuss business!
The Library of Celsus was built in 135 AD to honor Gaius Julius Celsus Polemaeanus, a Roman senator, and it served as both a library and a mausoleum for him.
The library’s facade is of Roman architecture, featuring two stories of Corinthian columns and intricate sculptures. The statues between the columns represent the virtues of Celsus: Wisdom, Knowledge, Intelligence, and Valor. The originals are housed in museums, while the ones on display are replicas.
Greek Orthodox CrossIntricate Mosaic WorkThe toiletsKitty finds it a comfy place to restThe Library of CelsusThe Theatre or auditorium where music was performed
We also visited a Turkish Carpet workshop. It was fascinating and I am sure we were taken there so we would be tempted to purchase very expensive rugs! First, they showed us how the thread was spun and then woven. We were then invited to another room where we were given iced tea and a delicious cheese pastry snack. Lollz. Lisa and Sasha did not come with Dominika and me as they said they did not want to be pressured into buying a carpet. Dom and I were just curious. They threw one carpet after another onto the floor and they were truly stunning. We were not allowed to photograph them. The designs could be copied and cheaper imitations made. The salesmen tried to get Dom and me into yet another room to see more carpets but we politely declined telling them that we really could not afford to buy their beautiful wares.
A beautiful carpet on display outside the workshopSpinning the silkThe coccoons are boiled The thread is released easily after the boiling process
We were then introduced to a charming man who upon learning we were from South Africa, greeted us in Afrikaans, then tried to sell us jewelry. Despite being impressed by his attempt to make us feel at home ‘in our own language’ we politely declined that offer too. It is, however, quite clever to learn as many greetings in as many languages as you can to win over potential buyers.
After this interesting interlude, we also visited a shop that sold a variety of Turkish products including confectionery and herbs and spices. This was more affordable and I am sure most of those on our tour supported them. Lisa bought some Turkish Delight.
This was our last full day on the cruise. The ship sailed at three that afternoon. Sasha and Lollz joined us for our final dinner in the restaurant and it was superb.
We were at sea all day today. We were both feeling under the weather so spent most of the day resting. In the evening we went to the ‘elegant evening’ dinner and then to the theatre to see an excellent magic show. Dinner was quite special this evening. I had a brie starter and the Earl had lobster bisque. We both had Duck l’orange for mains and dessert was chocolate ice cream for him and After 8 mint chocolate cake mousse for me.
Sunrise from our cabinMy handsome husband
19 June 2024
This morning we made an early start. The ship docked at 07:00 and we disembarked at 7:30 to join Bus 4 to Olympia. Lollz and Sasha were with us but Lisa and Dominika were on Bus 5.
Driving through the countryside reminded us of the Western Cape. The climate is similar and so much of the vegetation is familiar. Our guide told us they mainly farm potatoes, tomatoes, and watermelons but also some corn and, of course, olives, and grapes for winemaking.
The guided tour of Olympia was about an hour and our guide gave us very interesting information about the ruins.
Ruin of The GymnasiumRuin of Temple of Zeus Father of the GodsThe StadiumEntrance to StadiumTemple of Hera – MOther of the Gods
The ancient stadium at Olympia hosted the Olympic Games. Spectators sat on the slopes, while stone seats were reserved for judges. The stadium’s course was 200 yards long. It could accommodate 40,000 spectators. Only men were allowed to compete. To prevent women from secretly entering, the athletes competed naked.
It was very hot today and we were grateful for the many trees that provided shade. By the time the tour was over the Earl and I were both feeling poorly. We were allowed a few minutes to use the facilities and get a drink/snack before being taken to the village for 40 minutes of free time. Earl and I had an ice cream.
The village was not far and we were told to return to the parking area at 11:10 where the bus would be waiting. We left Earl to rest on a bench in a cool, shady spot. Sasha went off on his own and Lollz and I went to explore the lovely Greek shops. We made a few small purchases and then returned to find Sasha and Earl enjoying a lovely cool drink.
Sasha and Lollz got off the bus at the village of Katakolon but the Earl and I went back to the ship as we both desperately needed a nap.
It is now nearly six o’clock and we feel quite refreshed. We will go to dinner and the theatre tonight.
When I awoke at half past seven this morning The Splendida had already docked. It was a beautiful, clear morning and Trieste looked magnificent.
When researching this trip the kids all felt that the excursion to Venice was way too expensive and that they would do it on their own. They would take a water taxi to the city and perhaps go for the gondola experience.
The Earl woke up with a cough and a blocked nose and did not feel well so he opted to give today a miss. We had, in any case, decided not to go with the kids but to explore Trieste on our own. With him not being up to anything, I decided to go along with the kids.
To quote Robbert Burns, “The best-laid plans of mice and men oft go astray.” We discovered that there is no water taxi from Trieste to Venice! There is one from where the ships used to dock near Venice but they are no longer allowed to do that. The only way to get there would be a two to three-hour train trip. As it was already 10 o’clock when we discovered our error it was too late to rush off and risk missing the train back before the ship departed! So instead we explored Trieste on our own and did an hour-long hop-on hop-off bus trip! Note to self – There was a reason the organised trip to Venice was so expensive – pay the price or miss out! We had all been to Venice before so we weren’t too disappointed,
The architecture in Trieste is influenced by the period when the city was part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire between 1867 and 1918.
Piaza UnitaSasha waiting for the girls in the shade of a statueNeptune
Photos from the bus trip are below. We listened to an audio guide through our earphones but taking photos through the windows of a moving bus was not easy. I am showing just a few. Everybody in Trieste, we were told, loves swimming and we drove past a very long promenade which I think is called Barcola. There are play parks for children and plenty of trees providing shade. For most of the locals, it is part of their routine to swim in the sea every day during the summer months.
Waiting to board the busOur Ship dominating the portThe canalTeatro Romano was built in the first century AD. Neoclasical Style Church Sant’Antonio TaumaturgoJames Joyce lived and wrote his novel, Ulysses in Trieste. His kids were born here too. Part of The Barca
When we got off the bus we treated ourselves to some amazing Italian gelato. I then took some photos of some of the many sculptures
Sculptor Fiorenso Bacci’s bronze statue depicts a bersagliere carrying a Tricolour Flag as he enters the city. Three girls from Trieste are intent on sewing the flag that would wave from the bell tower of San Giusto on 30 October 1918.
Le Ragazze di Trieste sewing the tricolour and the bergsalierie carrying itIn 1916 Naszrio Sauro was hanged as a traitor by the Austrians as he fought for the unification of Trieste to Italy
When I got back to the shop Earl was feeling a bit better. We will go to dinner and the theatre tonight. The ship departs at 7. Tomorrow is a sea day so no internet.
The MSC Splendida docked at Bari at 07:00. Our clocks were put back an hour at midnight last night. Departure was at 14:00 so our visit to the town of Bari was brief.
Of course, it was hot! The Earl decided not to come with us. Instead, he explored the ship and had a great morning.
Dominika, Sash, Lisa, Lollz, and I walked all the way into town. We walked along the waterfront and went to see the Basilica of San Nicola. We then explored the narrow streets and the town square. We visited another church too. The photos depict all of what we saw on our excursion.
The shipThe Adriatic Sea in the background – Sasha, Lollz, Lisa, DominikaSuch a beautiful walkThe basilica Statue of Saint NicolaLollz and I lit candles for my parentsLove the narrow alleys Lisa in bariDominikaThe Theatre
When we returned, the Earl told me he had found a quieter spot on Deck 14. We found a table easily and soaked in the hot tub before swimming in the pool, There were very few people in this part of an otherwise very busy deck.
The ship departed later than scheduled as some passengers had not yet embarked. We think they forgot to put their watches back an hour and were confused about the departure time!
Earl in the hot tubVIew of the ship from an upper deckCosta Deiizia was docked near us. The Earl and I enjoyed a Costa Cruise in 2019
We all went to the theatre together this evening. The show was called Light and Shadows and the performer, a man and his lady assistant, simply used their hands and a few simple props to create the most amazing images on a screen. It was an amusing and excellent performance for which they received a standing ovation,
After the show, we had drinks in one of the lounges. We usually go to the early sitting for dinner but Lisa and Dominika assured us that there would be space at their table so we went to the later sitting. There was a chance we would not be allowed in and would have to go to the buffet but it all turned out well.
This waiter entertained us with a magic trickThen made a crown for The Earl
Yesterday we reported to housekeeping that a small section of the carpet near the entrance to the bathroom was slightly damp. It didn’t bother us but we thought they should know before the situation worsened. They responded immediately and sent somebody to investigate.
Later in the evening, the phone rang and someone from the Guest Service Team thanked me for the report and asked whether I’d like to change cabins. I declined, not wanting to move to a smaller cabin. I said we were satisfied with the cabin but just wanted to alert them that the carpet was wet and that it might become a worse problem if the leak wasn’t found and fixed.
This morning there was a knock on our cabin door. I thought it was the maid needing to start her chores. But no, there stood a waitress with a platter of pastries.
“Room service!” she said. “But I didn’t order anything” I replied. “It’s complimentary,’ she smiled
Surprised, I took the platter and then opened the card. It was from the guest service team, apologising for the wet carpet and thanking me for reporting it! The pastries were a token of their appreciation! How amazing is that!
We’d already eaten three before I took the photo!
Oh, but those Greek genes run deep! Both Laurie and I are thrilled to have arrived in Greek waters. I woke up this morning and marvelled at the beauty of the Mediterranean as our ship made its way to Corfu Port.
Click on the first photograph to enlarge it then use arrows to view the slide show. Press escape to return to the blog.
The ship only docked at 13:00. We all went into Corfu Town together. The ship offered a bus service for MSC passengers but the return fare was 10 euros per person. One of the servers in the buffet told us that it was not far to walk so we decided that we preferred that option. But we were ushered to a free shuttle to the terminus, and from there we took a bus for 4 Euros per person return. The Earl was relieved as he is not up to a thirty-minute walk at 30 degrees C!
Corfu town is just what you’d expect of a Greek Island. We loved exploring the narrow streets, quart yards, and quaint shops. Of course, it’s touristy but lovely all the same. I did not intend to spend money, but could not resist a pair of Greek Key earrings. All the jewellery was stunning and I wanted to buy more and maybe I will at the next Greek stop.
The girls all wanted to look at the fabulous clothes. The Earl spotted a dress that he said I just had to have. There was a gold one and a turquoise one. He wanted me to have the gold but Lollz was already trying it on. I fancied the turquoise and tried it on and the Earl said that it was stunning – and yes I should get that one instead. So, of course, he bought it for me! Lollz got the gold one. She said we could swap from time to time!
After wandering around for a long while we went to a Greek coffee shop. I ordered Greek coffee which I haven’t had since I was a child. It tasted like home! We ordered dolmades and olives to share. There is nothing to beat Greek snacks!
Corfu townThe FortTypical streetDominika and LollzEating a dolmadeHorse and Carriage – how sweet
At four o’clock, Earl and I left the others to continue exploring and took the bus back to the ship. We went to the pool for a swim and had a pina colada before dinner at 06:30. The kids all decided to have a late dinner so they did not rush back from Corfu Town.
Me, enjoying the crystal clear seawater poolPina Colada went down wellThe view from our cabin’s balconyI am wearing a Greek dress which I bought in Greece in 2018 – when in Greece wear what the Greeks wear!Italian Antipasto – cured meats and pickled artichokes – I also have a teaspoon of Italian blood running through my veins.
After dinner, we went to see “Rock Royalty” at the theatre and it was spectacular!
The ship departed at 21:00. Next stop – Bari, Italy!
Today was a sea day. After all the excitement of embarking yesterday, we only got up at 09:30, and by the time we were ready to face the day breakfast at the restaurant was over so we went to the buffet. It was quite busy but there was an enormous variety of food from which to choose.
We have the Easy Drinks Package which allows us unlimited orders of a variety of drinks costing 7 Euros or less. This means we don’t have to drink the dreadful on-tap coffee in the buffet but instead get an Americano or cappuccino from the bar. These coffees are amazing and as good as one would get in Italy.
We have the MSC For Me app which means we can access all the cruise information and also without purchasing a data package, make contact with other passengers if you scan them in. We can message our kids but unfortunately, their phones don’t ping and unless they keep checking they don’t know that a message has come through and vice versa!
The weather today was warm but the wind was blowing and it was not pleasant outdoors. We spent most of the day chilling in the cabin and on our balcony. We did not see land for a while, but eventually, there was land ahoy and we guessed we were passing some Greek Islands.
Being close to land meant that our mobile data kicked in and we were able to check messages, log into social media, and blog!
The Earl has been struggling with back pain so he decided to book a massage at the salon. Lisa showed him how to register his credit card so that it would be linked to our cruise cards. When they returned to our cabin he told me he’d booked one for me too!
At 14:15 we reported to the salon and were assigned the most amazing masseuses. My lady was South African and what a brilliant job she did. The massage included the back, neck, head, arms, legs, hands feet, face, and head. It was wonderful!
After our massages, we went to the buffet for a snack and drink and later met up with Lollz and Sasha for pre-dinner drinks.
The food on the ship is amazing. You have the choice of early or late sittings, or you may go to the buffet at any time. I prefer to have dinner in the restaurant although the choices are more limited. It’s just lovely to be served and to enjoy a good wine with your meal. Sasha and Lollz feel the same but Lisa and Dominika prefer to either eat later or to go to the buffet at a time of their choice.
I had spanakapita for a starter this evening, Lasagne as a main, and baklava for dessert. Ear and Sasha had calamari and prawn starters, then a grilled seafood main followed by ice cream. Lollz had a salad to start, veal as a main, and ice cream for dessert. She also had red wine while the Earl and I had white and Sasha stuck to water. Lollz thought her wine was splendid and we enjoyed the white too.
During the dinner, the staff entertained us with a march through and some dancing which was great fun.
After dinner Earl and I went to the Theatre and enjoyed a spectacular show of acrobatics, magic, song, and dance.
Watch this space for a report on our visit to Corfu.
We are cruising close to the coastline of Greece and I have managed to connect to the internet. Below is yesterday’s report.
Thursday 13 June 2024
Yesterday we left the hotel at 11 and our transfer dropped us at the cruise terminal at 12 noon. Check-in for The Earl, Lollz, Sash, and me, took under an hour and we were able to go straight to our cabins although we didn’t get our luggage until a few hours later.
We are on the Fantastica package, so we have a slightly better choice of cabin than the Bella package. The better the package the higher the deck number. The Earl and I have been assigned a cabin for the mobility challenged so is much bigger than a standard cabin. We did not request this but it is certainly nice to have! Sorry, the photos have not loaded in the correct order. No time to fiddle.
Click on the first photograph to enlarge it, then use arrows to view the slide show. Click Escape to return to the blog.
Our lovely cabinBreakfast on our balcony at the hotel before we leftA tram in IstanbulView from our cabin before departureLollz, Sasha, The Earl on Deck 14Pool areaView from the deckSouth African!More South Africans on the left and a TurkGlitzy ShipThe Sun Princess (Love Boat) leaving the portView of roof gardens in IstanbulTypical Istanbul Scene
Lisa and Dominika flew in from Poland and checked in much later. We were wandering around the top deck when they spotted us and joined us for drinks. What a happy reunion.
It was Sasha’s birthday and the lovely South African barmen gave us each a tequila on the house to celebrate!
Lollz, Sash, The Earl and I had the early sitting for dinner and afterward we went to the theatre for “Tales of Istanbul’ which was lovely
The ship only departed at 11 pm and we were on deck to bid farewell to Istanbul. It was very viby if a little crowded but the views at night were awesome.
Theatre production of Tales of IstanbulMusic played as the ship left the portThe Golden Bridge that joins Europe and Asia
More to follow when and if I can connect to the internet!
What an amazing two weeks we have had in London. But the next half of our adventure is about to begin. After cold and cloudy England, we are now headed for the Mediterranean Sea where the sun shines brightly every day!
This morning we made an early start and took an Uber to Gatwick at 07:00 arriving an hour later. We checked in and then went to have breakfast. Our plane was delayed by half an hour so we had a long wait. It finally took off closer to 12 than 11. We landed at 17:30 Turkish time. We flew from Gatwick but Lollz’s friend Sasha flew from Heathrow and his plane was also delayed. By the time we had all gone through passport control and collected our baggage, it was almost 18:30. I messaged our hotel which was providing a shuttle and they were very accommodating. Finally, we made our way to Exit 8 and waited another few minutes for the shuttle to arrive, then it was about a 20-minute drive to Airport Hotel Melanj!
Istanbul reminded us of home. The vegetation is very similar and it was a welcome 30 degrees C. We left London’s 13 degrees C far behind us!
The hotel is in Arnavutkoy which is about 32 km from the city center. Our room is very small but clean and comfortable and we have aircon and free wi-fi. A cat has already made friends with us. The hotel has a few pet cats and a lovely dog.
A tiny room – Cheap and cheerful And a cat who owned itIt has a balcony with a view!He made friends with The EarlAnd then settled on my lap for a nap.
At eight o’clock we went in search of a local Turkish restaurant and were delighted to find one a short walk away. The area is not elite. There are shops, motor mechanic workshops and other businesses in the area and they were all still open. A lot of the buildings were shabby and in need of maintenance.
We loved the restaurant we found. The photos will show exactly what it was like. The locals eat here and the food is excellent.
A very simple restaurant with a deliFood is cooked over hot coalsThe chef shows off his kebab
I had a lamb and aubergine kebab. The others all had the same – lamb but not with aubergine. Our meals were served with rice and a salad and they were very spicy. No alcohol was served at this restaurant so we just had mineral water.
The Turks are lovely, friendly people and it is clear that they want you to enjoy yourself. Considering that rice and vegetables were included the meal was not expensive.
We are only spending one night here and what a great experience it has been.
An Istanbul Sunset
Tomorrow we board the MSC Splendida! I will not have internet at sea so my blogging might not happen until I return to Struisbaai.
Adventuring into Retirement 
