Home Istanbul-1 Istanbul-2 Istanbul-3 Ankara M�stafapasa G�zelyurt Konya Antalya Pamukkale Aphrodisias Ephesus Last Supper |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| Our farewell time came too soon. We shared our last Turkish dinner in the gorgeous sunset of Kusadashi. Sidar has guided his beloved country with passion. So much history and civilization for us to absorb, but Sidar has made it easier to understand. His assistant, Cliff gave us a care package which consisted of our group photos, post cards, thank-you note, etc. Rafet was a thoughtful and competent driver. We could not have had more congenial group of fellow travelers. |
| One of photos given by Cliff -- I scanned this one. |
| Istanbul on Saturday did not even look like the same town we visited in the beginning of our tour. The Blue Mosque looked pretty with fountains, but the streets were so congested with automobiles and tourists. On the other hand, the weekend provided us with special entertainment on the street. We did not know who they were at the time, but we apparently listened to the music played by the Janissary military band. As they were ending the concert with the marching song, I could not believe my ears. In the elementary school in Japan (50 years ago), we were taught that very same tune with Japanese verse! |
| At the airport next day, we did not have enough Turkish coins left to buy Jerry a cup of coffee, but exactly enough to share a piece of hazelnut baklava. It was the most delightful baklava we had ever tasted! |
| Some continued their trip to other countries on their own. Jerry and I flew back to Istanbul to rest up before the long flight home the next day. We felt at ease at the Atat�rk Airport second time around, so we took a taxi to the Obelisk Hotel. No problem & cheaper! |
 |
| Day 13 |