Istanbul

Well, I've done it: gone to Turkey, sailed in the Aegean and Mediterranean for two weeks, visited Istanbul and the Cappadocia region of central Turkey, and arrived home safely! No problems except for a cyst behind my knee that burst when I was too enthusiastic about getting to a winch. Still have some pain and swelling, but relieved to know it was "only" that and not a blood clot! Turkey was fabulous. Situated partly in Asia and partly in Europe, it truly has been the crossroad of civilizations for centuries. Besides all of this, the people are helpful, the food is both healthful and delicious, and the wine is outstanding. My seat mate on the flight over was a Turkish-American man named Ziggy who decided that he would be my guide. He shepherded me through the visa purchase, the baggage retrieval, and then made sure I found the right bus to take me into the city. On the bus another Turkish man explained some of the sights as we were driving in, then called my hotel to obtain directions from Taksim Square. When we got off the bus at the Square he then proceeded to walk me to my hotel, dragging my suitcase! What a wonderful opening to my visit.