Istanbul was an intriguing place to visit - the colours, smells and sounds seemed very different and exotic compared to other places I have visited. I did a crash course in the history of Istanbul (and completely confused myself!) before the visit, which helped me to appreciate a little better what I was seeing and experiencing. Certainly a place I could return to again and again.

My new tea obsession...fresh ginger and apple tea served with cinnamon, cloves and honey to sweeten....

The food ...couldn't get enough of the minted yoghurt or (what I think was called ) Sigara boregi - a cigar shaped pastry made with feta cheese and filo pastry.

I braved the unknown of a hamam (Turkish bath house) by myself - a most memorable and relaxing experience (especially as I had the whole bath house to myself except for the three attendants!) This one has been operating since 1481. That's 530 years.....

And of course there were the tiles..

( For anyone visiting Istanbul, who wants to know a great book to read before hand or two or three lovely places to eat, just let me know...happy to share my good fortune in stumbling upon these places)