Norfolk 28/29 Aug

We were sad to leave our cottage  in Duddenhoe End as we had made friends with 3 geese who tapped on our windows every morning , and a cute miniature schnauser called Pepper! Anyway we hit the road to Norwich via Lowestoft on the coast.This is, we suspect, a typical English seaside resort complete with pier and pokie arcade, deep fried food outlets and huge icecreams. ( these we did sample and only 50p) Sandra  was intrigued with the colourful beach huts along the beachfront.
We found our accommodation in Norwich thanks  once again to Gloria Garman. It turned out to be a B and B along the lines of Fawltey Towers and we have the attic. Very grateful to Emmanuel who carted our suitcases up 2 sets of very narrow stairs. There are 3 beds all lined up , like at boarding school!! Anyway, it is perfectly situated and we were able to explore Norwich by foot in the early evening. We visited the cathedral, city  hall and the Royal Arcade , where the Colemans mustard shop and museum is and also Jamie Oliver's Italian restaurant. There weren't too many people around at this time and it was a lovely evening.
Saturday saw us driving up to Cromer, another beach resort and then we followed the coast all around to Kings Lynn. We were intrigued by  the boat quays which are miles from the sea. On low tides the boats are high and dry in narrow channels. And the car parks are miles from the beaches also and people walk with all their picnic gear and wind shelters etc out to the water.

Ely

We headed north to Ely today to visit the Ely cathedral and weren't disappointed. This huge and ornate cathedral dominates the skyline  and is dubbed 'ship of the Fens' because it is so visable across the flat countryside. Ely became a cathedral in 1109 - there had been a place of worship here since  673AD. Marie and Sandy managed the 288 steps to the top of one of the towers and we would have had a wonderful view to far away Cambridge if it hadnt been cloudy and drizzling, but what we did see was well worth the climb. A marvelous stained glass museum within the cathedral was great. Unfortunately we didnt see a great deal of Ely city as we had already spent over 3 hours in the cathedral and then didnt see it all but we wanted to visit the American cemetery at Cambridge before it shut at 5pm. After one or two wrong turns we got there at 4.30pm and were so grad to make it in time for a very quick walk through. It was stunning, with a 427ft memorial wall and 3812 crosses  and star of David headstones all set out in an immaculate  setting of trees, hedges, lawn and rose beds. The crosses were arranged in rows of 90 deg arcs.

Return to Saffron Walden

Sandra and Marie spent a few hours looking around Saffron Walden and following a walking tour of historic points  of interest. We discovered a restored  Victorian garden made up of 7 sections including  kitchen garden, roses, and a maze. A bit of retail therapy followed until Malcolm picked us up . He had been out at the Duxford  Imperial War Museum, not too far out of Saffron Walden.
Malcs bit. Duxford Imperial War  Museums situated on an old WW2 airfield, consisting of 7 massive hangers and the original  1940 Operations room.
Displays included aeroplanes from early war years to the modern era, sea craft from the war years and another section containing tanks and land craft.

Final day in London

Because of predicted strikes on the underground trains starting on Tuesday afternoon we decided to go to London for a final time today. We visited Borough market, which was a bit quiet being Monday but still had an amazing array of fruit and veg and international food stalls.
We then went to Lord's cricket grounds and had a very informative  2 hr tour. While in the area we found our way to Abbey road and walked across that infamous crossing by the Abbey Road recording studios.
A walk down New Regent street between Oxford circus and Picadilly Circus saw us drawn into Hamleys toy shop, a 5 floor plus basement wonderland for  kids of all ages!!

Saturday Cricket

England turned on a cracker of a day, the warmest day we have had here. We had a lovely day watching cricket. Phillip had a good day, taking  4 wickets, but unfortunately the team lost. We had a lovely evening out with some members of the cricket club and were able to eat and sit outside till late.
Sunday dawned drizzley so after a bit of house keeping we went for a Sunday drive ( minus the thermos) out to Sandy and St Neots.

Cambridge

Marie very relieved that Malcolms license finally arrived at the rental car place in Cambridge so we went in to collect it and get Malcolms name put on the contract as second driver! We had a walk along the colleges and a great 1 hour punt along the Cam river viewing the Colleges from the back. We had a good punt man who filled us in on all the history and a few tales thrown in as well.

London Again

A second day in London saw us cruising up the Thames to Greenwich and  back to Westminster  viewing all the touristy sites along the way. And then an obligatory visit to Harrods  left us wondering who would purchase a £400 box of chocolates! Marie and Sandra did make a few wee purchases in order to get a Harrods bag !!! We were pleased to get out  to the peace and serenity of Hyde Park and had a lovely wander towards Kensington Palace , visiting Dianas memorial water feature , the Italian fountains and took tea beside the Serpentine.Sandra thrilled to see some squirrels but disappointed that they are so small.

Saffron Waldon and around

First day of true English weather (drizzle) we visited Linton. A revisit for Marie and Malc who had been here in 2000. Had coffee in the local pub  Dog and Duck and had a wander around the village. Then on to Saffron Walden wheRe we had planned to have our picnic sandwiches but had to eat them in the car park as  raining by now. Explored Saffron Walden, a really nice market town, the centre of the saffron trade in the early 1500's hence its name. Some lovely old buildings. We timed it perfectly for the Tuesday markets which have been running since the 13th century.
The next day we visited Audley End house and garden near Saffron Walden , a grand country estate, built early 1600's. Now restored in Victorian style . The extensive kitchen gardens were great.

London

We bravely caught the train from Royston to London and then the underground from kings cross to Hyde Park corner. Easy when you know how!!!!!!!! From here we walked to Buckingham Palace early thinking we would get a good spot to see the changing of the guards at 11am but 10's of thousands of people had the same idea and we couldnt even get near the palace fences. Got a glimpse of the guards hats going by and heard the band passing. Guess this is real London and it is school holidays. We then ambled up The Mall to Trafalgar Square and after a few photo shots moved onto horse guards road for a quick  cuppa and toilet stop in St James Park. Then continued passed Downing St to Churchill's underground war rooms. A well worth visit. Amazing to think that no one knew about this top secret  location until after the war. We spent over two hours here and could have easily spent another hour or two . Next stop was Westminster Abby but we arrived too late  to get in  but were told about evensong at 5pm so filled in some time by walking over the Westminster Bridge to view the London Eye and to find out about river criuses up the Thames.  We made it back to Westminster Abby in  time for a lovely hour service with a visiting choir from America.  Back onto the tube to kings cross then train to Royston then home. Marie doing really well with her driving navigating around all the little lanes. Malc in back seat with Gloria Garmin. Just incase you are wondering Malc's licence is on route from NZ as we speak!!!!!!!!!!!

Sunday cricket.

Woke up to see many people fishing around the lake. Malc intrigued by the amount of gear required to catch tiddlers. They pay £10 a day for the privilege of relaxing  by the water. Good to see families out and about enjoying the countryside. Had a lovely relaxing time at presidents club day in Reed. Phils home ground. His team won and Phil had a good game with 66 runs and 2 wickets and 2 catches.

UK

We had an early flight from Istanbul after our wakeup up call at 4.45am. Arrived Heathrow to a cool 21 degrees. Picked up rental car then hit the M25 . After one false start of heading south instead of north!!!! With Marie at the wheel we managed to navigate our way to Royston and to catch up with Phillip  and after picking up groceries we headed to our cottage at Duddenhoe End near Saffron Waldren. It was good to be able to unpack and get the washing on before going out to a local pub for a beautiful meal. The first of 4 pubs that are within a 3 mile radius  of the cottage that we will no doubt visit within the next two weeks. The cottage is on a working farm, one of three  holiday cottages. Its a cropping farm as well as having 24 thousand free range hens producing eggs for Tescos supermarket. They also have a 3 acre lake that people PAY to fish on.(Only carp) 
Today as we were about to set out to cricket we discovered a flat tyre so had to make a quick trip to Royston to get new tyre before heading to Hoddeston where Phillip was playing . His team won chasing down 185 runs with  6 overs to spare. Phil took 3 wickets for 21 but was not required to bat. Another game of cricket tomorrow at Reed (Royston home ground) We plan to take a picnic and enjoy a genteel day out.
Pictures of lake viewed from cottage and the resident geese that tap on  our window expecting to be fed , below, hopefully if wifi allows.

Istanbul pics of last days in Istanbul

Istanbul

We are on our own in  Istanbul. People, cars, people, smells, people, noise and more people. It is a bit cooler today 32 degrees. We visited Hya Sofia. This structure was first  built as a basilica  in 537AD then converted to a mosque in 1453AD then declared a museum by Ataturk in 1935. A stunning piece of architecture with its mosaics, paintings, and marble floors and pillars and also walls and even a marble door. We then bravely took the tram to the spice market. Wonderful aromas from the fresh and  colourful spices. Turkish delight heaven and bazaar shops everything from puppies, birds, flowers to turkish linen, jewellery, ceramics to genuine fake watches and handbags. We are exhausted.  Marie sitting on end of bath soaking fat feet in cold water. We have now decided that we all like turkish delight !  It is  nothing like the red jelly chocolate  that is always left in the box of chocolates.  ..

Isanbul

Day two started with a cruise on the Golden Horn and Bosphorus waterways. A great way to see Istanbul from another perspective and to realise how huge this city is. (Population in lonely planet book 2013 was 14 million.  Not sure was it is now)  We stopped off for lunch at the Rumell Fortress which was a few kilometers from the Black sea. This was  near one of the four bridges connecting europe and asia.  After a pleasant 3 hour cruise we joined the queues at the Topkapi Palace. The palace compound consisted of courtyards and pavilions, not like our modern palaces and it offered a glimpse of the lives of the Ottoman sultans. There would have been over 4000 people living here - sultan, his wives, children, concubines,  eunuchs and servants. The sultan and his family rarely left the palace grounds. We viewed the kitchen, the library, treasury with its incredible collection of jewels including a tear drop shaped 86 carat diamond. (The worlds 5th largest diamond) Both Marie and Sandy decided it was just a little bit large for a ring!!!! We were there till closing time and didnt see it all. That night we treated ourselves to room service because we were all exhausted.

Last day in Turkey

SHOPPING DAY.  The girls hit the grand bazaar until early afternoon satisfied with purchases, wallet empty and sore feet. We returned to hotel for a cuppa and to pack bags  as we have an early flight tomorrow morning. Meanwhile Malc, who wasnt interested in being our bag boy decided to visit a museum of the history of transportation, industry and communications. It was the Rahmi M. Coc Museum financed by a wealthy Turkish business man. The museum contains thousands of items from miniatures to a full sized submarine. Included were cars, trains, boats, engines, planes, motor bikes plus clocks and telephones etc, etc. He reckons he could have spent another day here. Malcolms highlight of Istanbul. Our next blog will be from the UK. We have thoroughly enjoyed Turkey. Have loved the people, food and sights.

Gallipoli

An early morning ferry ride over the Dardanelles and we were on the Gallipoli peninsula. We visited  the beach and cemeteries of Anzac cove then to the cemetery where Simpson was buried ( of Simpson and his donkey fame) then to Lone Pine and Chunuk Bair. A special moment for the Australian and New Zealanders on the tour.
Unfortunately we only had half a day here before the long drive back to Istanbul.  For the first time on the tour nearly everyone had a litlle snooze except Sandy who was scared she was going to miss something on the way.
We had "our last supper" with our tour guide and new friends before our last night together in hotel. Sad to be finishing tour but have had a wonderful trip.

Troy

An early start sunday with a quick bus ride to visit the site of the virgin Mary's  supposedly last known residence  near the end of her life ( AD 37 - AD45)  A chapel has been built on her house foundations.
Then it was off to Troy. A city that archaeological digs proved that there had been nine separate periods of settlement (3000BC- AD 400) each successive period of habitation lies on top of its former  era. Fasinating site although small tells a big story. A very large wooden horse at entrance was rather tacky. The one we saw in Canakkale where we stayed that night, was much more tasteful and was a used in the movie Troy and was gifted to the city later.
We had dinner at a waterfront resturant overlooking the Dardanelles and towards Gallipoli peninsula.