"You don't write because you want to say something, you write because you have something to say" (F. Scott Fitzgerald)
Sabas gets up early to go to the Archeological museum. I am spared from joining him. For some reason museums and galleries were never my thing. I’m more into animated objects I guess. A lazy morning in bed for me.
Sabas returns just in time for us to go for a (late) breakfast. It turns out the museum was closed as it’s a national holiday, or something. Sabas is disappointed, but vows to go tomorrow morning before the flight.
Is that the time? We did go to bed rather late last night so a slow lazy start of the day is certainly justified. The Archeological Museum will have to wait to tomorrow.
And now to the all important question - where shall we have breakfast (well, lunch) today? Our Jolly Man’s place from two days ago is a tempting option, but we choose novelty and find a tucked away modest place…
Good morning. Big day today. Happy Birthday Sabas. How does it feel to wake up 50? (Oh, there’s also some Royal wedding somewhere, but let’s focus on the important stuff shall we).
We’re getting organised for our excursion to the Old City / Sultanahmet, home to the famous Grand Bazar and Blue Mosque. I stuff my bag with a light jacket, iPad and keyboard, three water bottles, and all the other bits and bobs I just can’t do without, you just never know. Wandering Jew? One thing is sure, it’s heavy.
Is it really time to get up? It seems I’ve just managed to fall asleep. Ok. The day (and Sabas) await.
Standing there, there he is, looking slightly lost and as handsome as ever with his healthy Venezuelan tan. He smiles, relieved to see I made it. He’s only been waiting a couple of minutes. Good. Now time for a hug.
I’ve never been, I always wanted to go, but I never had/created the opportunity. So when the opportunity arisen to meet my dear friend (and mythological ex) Sabas there I jumped at the opportunity. It’s his 50th birthday so what better excuse (if any was needed) for spending a few days in good company at the exotic vibrant city of Istanbul - the meeting point between Asia and Europe, East and West, the historic centre of the once great Ottoman Empire, with its famous bazars and mosques, baklava a plenty, and of course world renowned Turkish hamams (which, between us, is all the excuse one needs really).
