Istanbul, Kusadasi and Athens

Well we are well and truly in the swing of things now. Any jet lag is long gone as we fall into bed each night as the boat gently rocks us to sleep. The vodka is a bonus. I was very excited to arrive in Istanbul, Turkey. Nick has been a few times but it was a first for me. It was beautiful. Hot, but beautiful. We spent the morning with the kids taking in the sights of the Blue Mosque, Ayia Sophia, the Grand Bazaar and the ancient cisterns which now have the kids obsessed with the story of Medusa. As we were overnighting in Istanbul we dropped the kids back inboard and went back to town for dinner. Finishing with some baklava and apple tea. A great way to to finish the day. We left Istanbul the next afternoon and docked in Kusadasi, home to the ancient city of Ephesus. I did not know too much about it so we took the opportunity to hire a private guide and driver. Turned out a great idea. Who knew the Virgin Mary saw out her days here? We made many wishes to the mother of all mothers including writing a wish on paper and putting it with thousands of others hoping for a miracle. Ephesus was "oh my god" hot. I swear we nearly melted! It was extraordinary to show the kids such wonders. A lovely lunch under the fig trees after sitting through the obligatory carpet sales pitch. We just let the kids run over them all and they could not get us out of there quick enough! We sailed over night last night and arrived in Athens this morning. The kids were shattered so we decided to just head to Plaka and have a nice lunch and get some washing done. Having been here before Nick and I felt comfortable enough not trudging up the hill again and were happy to observe from below. As I type we have set sail again and will arrive in Mykonos in the morning. A day by the ocean on the cards and we can't wait.