Blame it on Barbara...

Istanbul is a blur. At this writing we are in the Black Sea and on the way to our one port in Russia tomorrow. It seems that the last few days have been a mass of confusion and endless activity. The end result is that I have not been able to give any thought or time to a blog. So, instead, I will explain what has happened without detail on all of it.

We sailed in late morning, Saturday. Cutlers went on tour and we never saw them until the next morning. Moe, Doug and Fellette went to the Grand Bazaar for the afternoon and stayed on the ship that evening. Barbara was in town, saw the ship come in and also went to the Grand Bazaar, she was staying at the Hilton and was to join the ship the next day. We never saw her. Clocks went forward as Turkey switched to daylight saving time. 

Next morning at breakfast we heard of Jim and Gail's wonderful day and evening filled with, food, drink, boat ride, and traditional Turkish entertainment, belly dancers. The Cutlers and Robins decided to go to see The Blue Mosque, Sophia Church, [museum], and Topkapi Palace. Moe stayed on board awaiting Barbara. The Robins returned to the ship by cab to see Barb and the Cutlers stayed in town.

We were back on the ship around two and Barb was in Moe's cabin so we had a visit, nice to see her, she looks wonderful. Mind you she should, she is about the youngest lady on the ship! Barb then came to our cabin for a quick e-mail. Then it is time to get ready for an early, [4.30] dinner. The reason for that is that the CEO of Holland America was throwing the Mother of all Parties in town for the entire ship. 1200 of us were treated to an evening of Turkish Delights. The event was held in what is called a cistern. Cisterns were built to hold water for when the city was under siege. This unbelievably beautiful cistern has been converted into a humungously big banquet hall. 






Our cistern was built 1600 years ago! Hard to believe. The food and drink and entertainment went on forever.







Then, back to the ship where, on the covered middle deck they had ready for us the most elaborate dessert buffet I have ever seen in my life. The staff was all dressed in exotic costumes and at times you would think we were back in the land of Ali Baba and all that. Next to our cabin with sister and niece where we had tea. We watched the ship pull out of Istanbul and slip into the Bosporus. 

The catch-up went on too long and soon it was time to get some sleep from what seemed a never-ending two days. And, horror of horrors, the clocks go forward AGAIN as we move into a different time zone. 

No morning exercise, no Tai Chi today. Maybe a late breakfast and a brisk walk. Too much of everything the last few days, but nice to see Moe and Barbara so happy together.