Top: The huge Topkopi Palace as seen as we sailed out of the Bosporus Strait.
Middle: Ancient fortifications on the Bosporus Strait just outside of Istanbul
Bottom: The Blue Mosque as seen from the southwestern end of The Bosporus Strait
As planned, I woke up at 6 and went up on deck with my coffee. Not many people stirring – yet. Took in the last of the Black Sea – the color has changed noticeably – much more dark green rather than turquoise that I saw earlier. Did 15 laps on the track as I watched us slowly approach the narrow channel known as The Bosporus Strait that connects the Black Sea to the Aegean Sea. We entered the Bosporus about 7:00 a.m. and they had told us there would be a commentary as we passed through, but none was provided. By 8:45 we were by Topkopi Palace, Aya Sofia, and The Blue Mosque. Beautiful views of the city of Istanbul. And then we pushed on into the Sea of Marmara that will lead us to the Dardanelles and then into the Aegean Sea later this evening. Waters are still very, very calm but greenish rather than blue as I expected. The seas turned lighter shades of green as we moved west-south-west.
Had a late breakfast, caught up on email, and then found a place out of the sun to read for a while. Went to hear the historian talk about Athens at 11. Found a quiet place to start reading my new James Patterson book that I had picked up in Bangkok and did that until mid afternoon. Had a late lite lunch in the restaurant at 2:30 to tide me over until my dinner at 9. I was bummed out though – the wine connoisseur dinner that I was invited to was cancelled. I called them back to get a reservation at Aqualina only to be told the restaurant was full. “So if the restaurant is filled, why is the connoisseur dinner cancelled?” I asked. They “found” me a table at 9 pm for dinner.
Enjoyed time by the pool and on my private balcony – reading and napping. Went to the Sun Deck at 5:30 as we entered the Dardanelle Strait. Another narrow passage similar to the Bosporus – full of large cargo ships and tankers going both ways. A pilot boat came alongside again so the pilot could escort us through the narrow and curvy passage to the Aegean Sea.
At the western end of the Dardanelles are memorials to Turkish, English, Australian, and New Zealand troops who died here (believe before WW I. Also here is the site that is believed to be the former City of Troy and a lot of excavation has been done. The legendary Trojan Horse event happened here and one of the cities has a replica of “the horse” on display but we couldn’t make it out from the ship.
Went to the Looking Glass and watched as the sun set over the Aegean. Had my late dinner reservations at Aqualina and I was not disappointed. Daniel from Romania was my waiter and he made all of the recommendations that I accepted: Amuse bouche was a black truffle potato salad that was spectacular. Then a cold seafood platter – a bouillabaisse - lobster thermador – and lastly a grand marnier soufflé. Spectacular dinner – and very filling. Diet here I come (when I get home)!
Daniel was a very, very proud Romanian. He has one more day on the ship and then he heads home to his wife and 2 children. He explained that The Quest is registered in Yalta and it is the flag of Yalta that flies over the ship. He also talked about the former dictator of Romania (Concesque???) and the abuses that the citizens endured. Everyone was glad when he and his wife were shot after a very short trial.
Went to the Mosaic Lounge and listened to Jim Badger sing.
Left at 11 and headed to bed so I can get up and watch the run rise over the Aegean as we sail into Mykonos.
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