Guiseley to Istanbul (extended route)

Good morning from Istanbul where the local time is early. Our arrival yesterday morning came off the back of my own little trip to Lancashire to see my beloved Coleraine Football Club play Fleetwood Town.

Much fun was had but only three goals were scored - and only one by us, so we lost. And then it was a night in Blackpool...

...an afternoon in Manchester...

and on to the airport for an early flight.

The transfer was by a people carrier with blacked windows and curtains (sadly no champagne).

And then we arrived at The Green Mansion, our home until Thursday.

I don’t make this stuff up. The first night supper was spot on and quiet. However, on a little reccy afterwards, we discovered an area which seems much more lively. That’s where we expect to end up this evening.

This morning’s breakfast was more than good (that’s The Green Mansion you can see in the background).

The only downside thus far was the jolt from our slumber at 4.50am with the first Call to Prayer of the day. But we’re guests in this fine country so you’ll hear no complaints from us. Today we’re thinking big mosques and even bigger bazaars. I’ll let you know how that all goes.