Bursa and Beyond

After a 2 hour fast ferry trip from Istanbul D and  G arrived in Mudanya, a lovely seaside town near Bursa, the 2nd largest city in Turkey, staying at the Montania hotel, an old railway station built by the French in the 1800's. A bit down at heel in the rooms, but lovely and relaxing after all the bad stuff that's been happening here. Mate died from stress, so now no easterngrey joey babies have survived the latest release.

From room in Montania

They had a really relaxing time here and next day travelled on to Bursa, the silk centre of Turkey, had a wonderful time exploring the silk bazaar. Didn't buy anything but did  a lot of admiring. There was also a cable car trip to the top of Uludag mountain, to the ski resort area above the city. beautiful wildflowers in bloom, all our garden flowers.  Very chilly at that altitude but lovely and sunny, and lots of rubbish, beautiful mountain streams, chilly and clear. The next was a walk through the spice market, buying beautiful fresh and crunchy hazelnuts, native to this area. Beautiful fresh almonds, yummy fresh dried figs.  Everything was so relaxed unlike Istanbul.  Another lovely walk was to the green mosque, stunning green tiles, perfect for D's bathroom. If only they were available in Oz.

Heybeliada - Princes Islands Istanbul

Awaiting brekkie at L'isola guesthouse

Seagulls on rooftops nesting in guttering.

Ponies off to work

Istanbul to Heybeliada

Needed a break from the hustle and bustle of the big smoke, so the Princes Island group was the choice.  L'isola Guesthouse, on Heybeliada.  What a place to wind down, especially after the horrible news of Bro and Merinda, very hilly, with the whole places roofs becoming nesting sites for the huge seagulls. There seemed to be as many cats here as in Istanbul, heaps of dogs too.  No-one seemed the least bit interested in a sterilisation programme.  It is kitten time now so, although very cute, the numbers are swelling.
Oh it would be so easy just a quick nick with the razor blade, to the boys.

One of the original houses, in Heybeliada, neglected because they can't be removed only renovated.

Anyway, D and G walked the road around the island, which is lovely despite the piles of garbage. Horse drawn carriages, no private cars allowed. Really peaceful, even managed to breakout the sketchbook and charcoal. After 3 nights back to the ferry for the 90 minute trip back to Istanbul for two days.
Next adventure by fast ferry to Mudanya then Bursa.

Pictures from Istanbul

Not praying-photographing!!

Hagia Sofia

the spice bazaar

A bucket of Suckers - leeches

Istanbul May 21

The picture below is looking from the terrace of the Hotel Sebnem down to the steep street.

After a long flight overnight they arrived, reasonably relaxed, only to discover that the price of visas for Australians had gone from $US20 to $US60 or 45 euros payable immediately in that currency and......no prior notification.  Luckily G was prepared, maybe he was a boy scout in another life. LOL. Istanbul, was hectic, exciting, hilly, crazy and hugely interestîng. The hotel Sebnem in Sultanahmet was a lovely small family run place with fantastic views from the roof terrace, the brekkie spot, a fitting place for the truly magnificent repast.  A few days later they met up with D's brother and sister-in-law and all had lunch together before the WA connection had to travel on.

News from D and G

The first few days of the trip were spent in a really nice boutique hotel, named the Puri Melaka it had been the family home of Chinese merchants and is very cloyse to Jonkers St, a real tourist trap.  D and G used to get up about 6.30am and go walking for an hour or two befor
e a sumptuous brekkie.  They took a trip on the river and saw some really interesting sights, including this huge scary monster, who could easily eat a joey. They left after 4 days and flew on to Istanbul.

This scary monitor was spotted by G when he and D took a boat trip along the Melaka river. It was relaxing (waiting for a victim?) whenthey saw it they reckon it was two metres long.

This little cafe was also spotted from the ferry.

 Reggae by the River

water monitor

FANTASTIC NEWS

FANTASTIC NEWS
Mate has started to get well, thanks to the fantastic nursing skills of Carole and Stephan. We are so pleased they are looking after us and especially little Mate.