I'm Having a Moment

Really took far too many images so am simply showing off some of my better ones. Much easier that way.  Tomorrow (Saturday) back to London. My friend Pat arrives from Florida first thing Monday. Hopefully before he arrives I'll be able to do some laundry.  Otherwise he may never speak to me again.  I guess some else arrives Monday in London. That would be Barack Obama!  Wonder if he wants to stop off and have a pint with Pat and I?

I love Turkey. Warm welcoming people and culture. Not to mention they LOVED Clinton and HATED Bush. They also like Barack but after 8 years of Bush they are not as happy with us as they were when Bill was President. They also loved Reagan because he understood their importance in the scheme of things whereas Dubbya alienated them all after 9/11 with his speech out conquering Islam. Turkey is 98% Islamic.  HATE Al Queda but Dubbya, the dolt, opened his mouth. Anyway, must come back to explore more of it.

Today for another indelible travel memory I went exploring after Maggie headed back to the hotel after another sojourn to the Grand Bazaar. You know me always looking down alley ways. Found one that peeked my interest and entered a Han. Basically a courtyard where you'll find artisans. I smiled and greeted everyone in Turkish.  Yes, I've learned to say "hello" in Turkish. Breaks the ice and each and every man seated or standing outside their shop returned the greeting with a smile. Saw an upper level above the Han. Found a small, steep stairway....

On Belay. Climbing!

My interest is peaked.

Reverse

Walking forward I see this interesting wall.

Turn around and see this.

I've found my lunch place.

My fellow diner who was having meatball soup or stew.

Table with a view.

Lunch. Fabulous Lentil Soup and Turkish Tea. Perfect meal as it had started raining a bit and the temp had dropped.Now I don't know who I've evolved into but I don't like lentils and I loved this soup. Really, tasty beyond belief. Of course the bread and tea were good. That's a given. I'm thinking more divine eggplant tonight at my favorite spot near the hotel. Sad news about some of our tour group. At least 3 have come down with food poisoning. After experiencing that in Florence on New Year's Eve I know how horrible they are feeling. At least it's only a 24 hour bug and if each of them spends today in bed they should feel human again tomorrow. I'm out on the patio deck of the hotel. It's grey and foggy like SF but I'm sitting here comfortable in a blouse and capris.  Maybe the beer helps. Got to go plug in the laptop as the battery is getting low. Photos up soon.