David S. Demarest

Left Istanbul this morning and am currently waiting for a connection in Belgrade. 

Istanbul is a city I will very much enjoy returning to.  Spent yesterday visiting some more of the historic sites, and later in the afternoon took the tram along the waterfront and then the funicular “underground tram” that very successfully moves people from the waterfront level up to Taksim Square atop one of the main hills of European Istanbul.  

As I walked along the waterfront, I encountered increasing security.  I am not talking the guards at the gates or building entrances, but rather squads of police and para-military.  All with riot helmets….  Well it turns out Queen of Elizabeth was scheduled to arrive with the president of Turkey for dinner on her warship tied nearby.  I happened to be standing at the entrance when what I assumed to be her entourage pulled in, but with tinted windows one could not see in the cars.  Oh well.

The people were friendly, the weather was great, and the lodging was comfortable.  I had many opportunities to look at rugs, but without Sally’s help would not have a clue as to what one should buy!

We have often heard that it is a small world.  At dinner, having heard English spoken, I said hello to a group of six arriving.  As is customary, we asked where each was from.  Imagine my surprise when it turned out they all lived within about 30 miles of our home in Monroe!