Turkey and the Eastern Bloc

I never thought that I would say this, but France and Turkey are right now on the shortlist for best European country.

We went to Turkey for 5 days. Saw Troy, and spent the night in Cannakale, then on to the famous Anzac cove memorial - pissed me off that all us Canadians got was a Vimy drive-by.

Headed to Istanbul for 3 days. I love Istanbul. Though our hotel wasn't the greatest, it made up for it in location. Went to a turkish bath (aka a human car wash) and was rubbed down by a woman. Bartered in the Grand Bazaar, and got some kisses (though others may have gotten more) from the overzealous vendors. Smoked an incredible amount of hookah, banana, chocolate, cappuchino, and tutti fruity.

Stumbled upon a museum with the rod of Moses, the sword of David, the Cup of Abraham and the head of John the Baptist. Have to check validity of this when I get home, but the same place had the beard of the prophet Mohammad.

Went to the shittiest dinner ever, and got on stage twice for belly dancing.

Drove to Bulgaria - really not too much to see. There was a huge cathedral. the vendors were all selling real Nazi stuff including pins, rings, smoke cases, and lighters... but I was too cheap.

Drove to Serbia today, and had 1 hour to walk around downtown. as it is Sunday there isn't really that much to see, though we walked on the bridge Arch Duke Ferdinand was shot on (which caused world war I.)

Smile! I hope you are all doing well. Tomorrow we are in Hungary, then on to Western Europe for the final leg of the voyage. Hard to believe I will be home in 2 weeks!