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May 25, 10:30 a.m
So much rain yesterday, off and on, I stayed around the flat without doing much but reading "Sons and Lovers", which I'd picked up in Kiev.
Today I woke early and really hungry, with nothing in the house and almost nothing open. Went for a walk and snapped a few pics. Saw a doner kabab stand with a slow moving line. Walked around a bit more and when I got back to the stand they were out of everything. Soon a McDs was open. First breakfast. Left still hungry. Went across
The promenade to Kompot, again, for sheep cheese on a croissant with tea. Love this place. The service is so elegant. I guess it's normal here though, as I've seen it a lot. You'll see from the pictures. A cat stalks the kitchen and visits customers who might have something good for him.
Back to the flat. Finished packing. Anna promptly at 10 to get the key and say goodbye. Couldn't find a cab so I walked. Easily found the place this time. Dropped my things and still hungry, went out for a Coffee Americano with some sort of a strawberry streusel or something. A few minutes walking, another snack, poppy seed pastry, and I'm finally full.
We set sail soon.
15:30, love, that's 3:30 p.m.
Nadya in the Crimea said I'd be setting sail at 10, arriving at 3 the next day. Then I was told to get to the office by 11. Then I was told we'd be leaving at 3. Just boarded. We're going around five or six. I've made friends with Olivia from Canada, a dancer, and Joh from Korea, a delivery driver. We each thought we were going to be in a room with three other people. We each have our own room next to each other on the tenth floor all hoity toity and everything. The truckers are sharing rooms on the eighth floor. We're on the same floor as the bar and the restaurant. Dinner at six. Bar opens as soon as we get under weigh. I'll probably get to my hotel in Istanbul, the Star Holiday, about 3 hours later than planned, just about in time for dinner.
May 26. 5 p.m.
We've docked, a couple hours late. Not bad seeing as how we left seven hours later than I thought we would.
5:30 - off the boat. Now waiting to be taken to passport control. Oh well. The last few hours coming into the harbor were magnificent: Beautiful weather, Up on deck watching the scenery.
May 27, 5 a.m.
Just woke up. Took five hours to get to customs, clear it and get to my hotel. But I can't complain, much. Some people from Belgium who'd driven to Ukraine and taken the ferry had to split up at the port. Then once the van passengers got their customs stamp they had to go back to the port!
Lot of people here in Istanbul. Went out for street food then settled in for the night.
- comments
Jennifer Siu What great fun! Sounds like you are enjoying your adventure! Missing you here on the courts. Today is was very very crowded. Eddie said hello. He said he hadn't had a chance to write to your blog. Lee and Michael were there also. Everyone says hi!
Andy Thanks Jennifer. Missed the courts the first weekend. Now I've been so busy! Definitely enjoying my adventure. Last night for dinner I had doner kebab at one stand, BBQ corn at another, hot chestnuts at a third and Turkish delights from a shop. Missing you all too, a little. :-) Say. Big hello back to everyone for me. And tell michael I told him to work on his overhand smash!
Janice I'm really enjoying your trip [smile!] Envy u being in Istanbul--one of my favorite cities--great time to be there as all the tulips will be blooming. Don't miss seeing the Cistern to add to your underground adventures.