Bass Strait to the Black Sea.

[drron]

There seems to be a church ruin on every corner-

But also some classic wooden Bulgarian houses-

Some narrow,deserted cobblestone streets-

And others full of shops with cheap souvenirs and tourists-

But the locals just kept sunning themselves-

One of the local tourism websites calls this the Pearl or Dubrovnik of the Black sea.Hmmm.

 

[drron]

More of the Bulgarian style buildings-

I was intigued by this shop sign-

And some more ruins as we made our way back to the port-

Next to which was a nice cafe with a great view.Unfortunately it was another very hot day so we continued back towards the port as we could see a much cooler place to have lunch-

The locals meanwhile continued their quest to establish a skin cancer cell bank-

looking down to the port buildings over the various city walls-

And believe it or not this is the customs/Immigration building.

But this sign intriqued me-

however there was no border control activity so I let it slide.
Next back to the wind for lunch.

 

[drron]

After we returned to the Wind and freshened up it was time for lunch.This was interesting.Mrsdrron just felt like the Baby back ribs.On the lunch menu it has a sentence-you may also choose from our Always Available menu but unlike the evening meal there is no list.So she asked our waiter what was on this list for lunch.He replied I think it is the same as at night so she ordered said ribs.
A little later we saw the Chef come out and obviously was having words with our waiter.When the ribs arrived I asked if there was a problem and was told I shouldn't have told you the evening list was available but I stood my ground-to which I replied,Well Done.You now have a very happy customer.So here are those ribs-

And I had the Beef rendang-

And we both had the Apricot Rice Pudding for dessert-

To counter the effect of our meals we did a few laps of Deck 9.here is the view to the Island of Nessebur and the old windmill on the causeway-

Next-our final night.

 

[drron]

Our last night we again had dinner in Le Champagne.First though was pre dinner drinks with the couple from vermont-and fellow Cruise Critic posters.but there was a monumental fail for Silverseas-they had run out of fresh mint so no Mojitos!Quelle Horreur!
So with a heavy heart we set out for Le Champagne.Tayfun and Thearith soon had my spirits lifted and I forgot the evening's disaster.I started with the Foie Gras then the Lobster Bisque-

I then had the Venison-

Mrsdrron had the Lobster salad,Foie Gras and then rack of lamb-

We both finished with the cointreau Souffle.For wines we had a Chilean sauvignon blanc and I then had a Burgundy-both were from the free pour list and we enjoyed both.Chilean wines are often underrated and in top wine shows have often been major medal winners.Both the wines were excellent.Unfortunately it was on this night I had a long talk with the Sommelier.I asked why one of my favourite Australian reds was not on the premium list-I was told because we only have 6 bottles in stock so if it was on the list many would be disappointed-if someone asks for that style of wine it will be offered.So on the Cloud in November I will ask much earlier in the cruise.
One last picture-of an addition to the Wind-

Note the protective screen.when we had dinner with the Safety officer he told us of an incident on another Cruise Line off the coast of Africa.Warning shots were fired and fortunately the incident ended then.
So our time on the Wind is rapidly coming to an end.It has been a great time.Thoroughly enjoyed our time on the Wind.When we awoke the next morning we were nearly at the Port.Time for one more breakfast on our balcony.
A little after 0900 we disembarked.Once again Istanbul failed to impress.We were staying at the W Istanbul and I knew a taxi should be~5-10TL.Was told it was 10 Euro(22TL).Insisted on the meter.It was turned on and already had 13 TL on it so by the time we arrived at the W it was 22TL.So I gave him 10 Euro.When he then asked for a tip and the bags were safely with the doorman I gave him a verbal tip.I can not repeat it here.But he got the message.Needless to say it was a 2 word piece of advice with the first word beginning with F,the second with O.
Next-the W and a different perspective of Istanbul.

 

[Must...Fly!]

I must remember that verbal tip!!

 

[drron]

Well back to Istanbul.mrsdrron has already made up her mind we are not going to stay in Istanbul again.After the hassle of the taxi checking in to the W was a breeze.staff were very friendly and a room was ready even though it was only just after 1000.What was even better they actually gave us a lower rate than booked.I didn't question it just in case.We were upgraded to a Studio Suite and got a voucher for continental breakfast as well as the 500 point amenity.It turned out we could have the full buffet.
We decided though we were not W type people(sorry Keith009).The place was too dark,the room too quirky and poorly designed-obviously by a man as mrsdrron says.Only a shower,very little space for toiletries,nowhere to hang towels near the shower and we couldn't lock the door to our patio-turned out you had to hold the handle up then turn the key.Give me the SGS,green tiles and all,any day.On the table was a welcome letter and goodies but the letter was addressed to a mr Kas.......tch.Later another welcome letter was delivered with another plate of goodies.
Walked up the street beside the W and found a little sweets shop and bought some rice pudding,kasem dibbi and baklava for lunch.Afterwards had a walk towards the Dolmabahce palace.going down to the main road was a very upmarket store-

And then the outside of the palace-

And the mosque beside it-

And it's clock tower-

going that way there were no restaurants-as always you should turn left.So we ate in the W restaurant-Otto which is written up in the tour brochures as being a good Turkish restaurant.first the actual restaurant was closed at night and you ate on the Terrace.the wind was so strong i actually lost a glass of wine as it blew off the table.The food we thought was very ordinary and with a bottle of local Sav blanc set us back $105.Not reccomended.
The next day we decided to take the hop on hop off bus.There is a stop right beside the W but it is on the end of the loop so first bus is 1130.So we walked to the palace where the first bus is 1030.Cost 20E for a day,30E for 2 days.We were able to see a fair bit of the place outside the Old Town.It is the Blue line that stops outside the W.This one also goes to the Asian side.So a few shots of our loop on the bus-

more to come.

 

[drron]

So some pics as we travelled towards the Asian side of Istanbul-

And looking back to the palaces-

and more of the Asian side-

Then up the Bosphorus towards the Black sea-

Next we switch to their Green route and go around the Golden horn.

 

[drron]

We saw some of the Old Town from a different perspective-

And some of suburbia,not all in great condition-

and some more ruins-

And views over the real Istanbul-

 

[drron]

More from around the Golden horn-

and a cemetery that covered a large hillside-

Then you pass the Transport museum-

But when we were returning to the Old town we went under the Galata Bridge.It didn't inspire me with confidence-

Next a final walk in Old Town.

 

[drron]

First a few more pics from the bus-

and the walls of the Old town-

The monument in Taksim Square-

We got of the bus at the Hagia Sophia again and walked down past the Galata tram stop and stopped at Faros restaurant where we had lunch.We had hummous,cacik,shrimp in a tomato and onion sauce and garlic mushrooms along with 2 glasses of lemonade-cost 61TL($34).This was the best value meal that we had in the Old Town.

We walked towards the Spice Market weith its busy street scenes-

weekend fishermen-

And the restaurant where we had the nice sweets on our first stay and rated number 2 restaurant in Istanbul on TA-

So it was back on the bus,one more spin to the Asian side and getting off at the door of the W.
next-Dolmabahce Palace.

 

[drron]

Before we had hopped on the bus to go back to the W we went to a small sweet shop by the name of Baklavaci Said just down the road from Faros.Run by a delightful couple who let us tast anything we wanted.The fellow though obviously had bad eyesight saying he recognised me from last year but then I was with a beautiful brazilian lady.Quite frankly he had me mistaken for Tony Hancock and a woman from Belo Horizonte.We did buy a few sweets which were nice and became dinner that night.Straight after that mrsdrron bought a pair of earrings-I think the Brazilian story cost me.
We enjoyed our breakfast on the Sunday morning.We found something we really liked-rose petal jam,liquid Turkish delight!After that mrsdrron was feling completely washed out so decided just to sunbake on our patio.I decided to go to the Dolmabahce Palace and glad I did.Cost 40TL for grounds plus tours of the palace and harem-unfortunately no photos allowed inside.I am glad I went as for me this was the highlight of Istanbul.Built in the mid 1800s when the Sultan decided Topkapi was no longer comfortable.Built in the French style.And boy is it OTT.
So first pictures of the grounds starting with the clocktower-

 

[drron]

The sultan certainly picked a good spot with easy access to the Bosphorus-

Now it is virually mandatory to do a foot shot when on a plane so here I am dressing up to go inside the palace-

The inside is mind blowing.The world's largest chandelier and the Northern hemisphere's 2 largest are here.4.5 and 1.5 tonnes.Made of English crystal.Largest contains 750 candles.Here is a link to pictures of the palace.Obviously a few internal shots taken surrepticiously-
https://www.google.com.au/search?q=...gfluIDIBg&sqi=2&ved=0CF4QsAQ&biw=1252&bih=635

Then some time to wait before I could go to the harem.You have to go on a guided tour.When you arrive at the palace steps one side has a sign for groups,one for individuals which was empty when i turned up.But no still had to go with a group.Fortunately at the palace and English tour had just started so I joined.There were about 60 in the groupo,it was very hot and soon I was drenched.It was good to get outside as a fair breeze that day.Of course time to take some more photos-

Then it was time to find the harem.What better way than to follow ladies in harem pants-

 

[drron]

I had to wait a while until the next English tour of the harem.Unfortunately the Clock museum and the Crystal Conservatory were closed so I just wandered around the courtyard.This group caught my eye-

Back in the 60s a group of us would always wander over to the Union building about 1600 to watch the Samurai.often the ninja would be sitting around just like this.Was a cult thing.Though in truth probably because the next show was Commotion and we would stay to see Ding Dong to her thing!So back to the photos-

In one corner there was a veggie garden and several varieties of birds-

And a weird fountain-

I went back and queued before the line extended out of the shade.The guide for the harem tour was much better-very good English and very informative.when I asked if the Sultan would have a favourite concubine the reply was-probably but he wouldn't have told anyone as to get to the women he had to pass through his mother's room.The harem tour is not as spectacular as the palace but does compliment it well and I would suggest doing both.However there were even more on this tour so I was dripping perspiration.Was really glad to get back to the W and have a cold shower.

 

[drron]

Just a few pics as I walked out of the Palace-

Walking back there is a tree that obviously wanted to keep living-

After cooling down we went for another walk this time turning left when we reached the main road.We walked down many small streets-

Past shops,restaurants and cafes.it was a Sunday afternoon and the cafes had many men playing backgammon and drinking coffee.Then a video shop-

I really wanted a Woddy Ellen video but mrsdrron said no.Then a small local market-

Doesn't really show it but most of the fruit and vegetables were well past their prime.across the road was a supermarket where we got some drinks,a couple of bottles of rose petal jam and some Turkish delight which here was only $4 a kilo.
next-our last dinner in Istanbul.

 

[drron]

Also during our walk a small fish market-

Just remember the temperature was in the high 30s and the flies dont show in the photo.Certainly made us choose the meats section of the restaurant we went to rather than the fishes section.On top of that was the price of seafood-we looked at a few seafood restaurants and the prices were usually $50-$100 for a fish.give me th Bridge Seafoods any day.The restaurant we chose was the Hanedan restaurant on the top floor of the building next to the Besiktas ferry pier.We thought it the best restaurant we ate at in Istanbul.We started with hummous,eggplant and yoghurt dip and Turkish fetta.

That was not too bad.mrsdrron then had the lamb cutlets and I had a mixed kebab plate.both reasonable-

with a bottle of Turkish Sav Blanc it came to 200TL(~$110).This was about the same price as the restaurants in the DT and W but the view here left them for dead.across the Bosphorus,the Sea of Marmara and to Topkapi palace-

we could even watch some more cruisers head off to the Dardanelles-

next-our last day in Turkey.

 

[drron]

Monday and our last day in Turkey.Mrsdrron was glad.A surreal experience when we went for breakfast.0900 and we were the only ones there and it appeared the buffet had not been touched.Talked to the staff who said 30% occupancy and blamed Ramadan.About 30 minutes later another couple arrived asking the staff could they order a taxi to the airport as their flight left in 2 hours.About 10 minutes later they were told the taxi was there but each took another plate of food before leaving.Definitely not Type A personalities.

We had another walk around the local area before coming back to the W,showering and checkout at 1600.We were told it should be between 50-60TLs depending on route taken.He went via the highway which is longer but virtually no traffic and he went like the clappers.Meter showed 60TL so because he was honest he got a 10E tip.However we were now at 1630 and the RJ checkin did not open until 1830-virtually all others opened 3 hours prior to departure but RJ is only 2 hours.So mrsdrron parked me with the bags and set off to see if she could spend our left over cash-12.3TLs + 5 euro.Not surprisingly she couldn't find anything.However because of our experience coming in she decided to get our bags wrapped-that cost 10TL or 5E per bag so now we were down to 2.3TLs.

We both ended up with our kindles.2 drug dogs went by to break the monotony.finally RJ checkin opens and we are first in the J queue.Another Aussie couple behind us sporting the WP tag on the carry on.But there is a problem.My Aaward ticket is OK but mrsdrron's QF ticket is showing as this sector already used.So about a 20 minute wait until fixed.The other couple go to the Y line and are away before us.Then to Immigration and as usual I pick a short line which turns out to be the slowest.Turkey having a final shot!

RJ uses the Turkish Millenium lounge.Large enough but no showers or toilets.The food offerings are sparse-rolls wrapped in plastic with processed chicken,some dry biscuits and fortunately some decent fresh fruit.the wine was OK even though it was a blend of 6 grape types of which the only ones I had heard of were Tokay and Sultana-but it was a dry white.Less than an hour in lounge so OK.
Off to the gate-225 which of course was at the opposite end of the terminal.As we were walking we heard a change of gate to 223 and final call so we quicken our pace.of course when we got there boarding was yet to commence.About 3 minutes later the woman at the gate stands up and says-"OK,boarding".The bun rush began.fortunately a very light load so no problems.
flights next but first a summary on Turkey.

Basically we were disappointed.Obviously the bag incident on arrival and dishonest taxi drivers didn't help but it was more than that.Yes the attractions are magnificent and it is great to see them once inyour life.Unlike most who advise staying in the Old Town I certainly found it much better staying out of it at the W.Too much noise,dirt and hassling for us in the Old Town.The area around the W was much preferable and cheaper.The public transport is excellent and makes getting around easy.
For the attractions the Museum card is worthwhile.72TL for 72 hours.Make sure that you make your way out to the Dolmabahce palace which IMHO was the pick of the attractions.With the pass you also get discounts at museum shops and restaurants-though not all.
Turkish cuisine also did not impress.We had similiar food in Jordan and it was much better quality and value.If you could only choose 1 place out of Jordan and Turkey I would go for Jordan.But this is only my opinion and many would disagree.

 

[drron]

RJ 168. IST-AMM. ETD-2035. Pushback-2026. Take off-2049.
ETA-2250. Landed-2246. At Gate-2249.
Yet another plane type for this trip-E 175.In J just us,1 other couple and the fellow in 1A in his ill fitting suit.He sent the second suit back to Y.
We had 1J,H.On the 175 the J seating is 1-2.2-2 in Y.Not great leg room-

Only offered juice pre take off.coughpit was open through out boarding.Dinner was served just after take off.

I had the Jordanian entrees,mrsdrron the western.

We both enjoyed our entrees.Mrsdrron had the pasta which was spicy and loaded with oil.

I had the stuffed courgettes with Laban.Tasted a lot better than it looked-

Mrsdrron had a French chablis and I a South african cab sav.Both were quite acceptable.After the meal service had a long talk with the FA.She was Romanian so was interested when I said we had been there in the last week.Turned out her travel dream is to go cruising so we talked a lot about that.So far the service on RJ has been very good-though of course on the first flight I slept from take off so really couldn't comment.However I quite liked how our seats on all flights were clearly marked for us-

Arriving at AMM we did a long loop around the city before landing.Taken to a remote stand.Once again we waited whilst a tug pulled us to the final stop point.J pax-meaning the 4 of us were put on our own bus so we definitely beat the rush to the transit point.Straight to the lounge for some liquid refreshment as the food options were very limited.First read the Jordan times were the main article was re upcoming elections and how the Islamists will boycott them because of the undemocratic 1 vote,1 value requirement.Then watched a soccer match between Chonburi from Thailand and an Iraqi team whose main skill appeared to be the ability to take a dive.Fortunately the Thais won.

One of the flights before us was to Detroit-had both an AA and US codeshare-? a sign of things to come.
Next-off to Thailand.

 

[drron]

Once again before getting to the gate we have to go through another security check.the women go off through a room and mrsdrron gets a pat down.I go through the normal xray proceedure.Told I dont need to have my computer or LAGs out but must take off my belt.At the gate another passport and BP check.the gate lounge is overflowing.once again it is just an OK from the GA and he opens the door and the bun rush begins.
RJ182. AMM-BKK. ETD-0210. Push back-0213. Take off-0226.
ETA-1545. Landed-1514. At gate-1523.
On sitting once again only offered fruit juice.No meal service.FAs are a bit older and a bit distant.So nothing further to do but put the seat back and try to sleep.Only sleep on and off.About 2 hours out of BKK served brekkie-though in Bangkok it is 1300.Choice of sausage and a mushroom omelette or a Middle Eastern brekkie.go for the sausage.The flight was full.On descent into BKK hit a lot of turbulence.Too much for Mr 1A who tasted his breakfast again.

The gate was close to Immigration.Y pax started streaming into the J cabin before seat belt light went out so we jumped up-as did all the other J pax.we were first off,virtually no queue at Immigration so we were at the baggage carousel about 5 minutes after deplaning.About 6-7 minutes later bags start appearing.Another 25 minutes before ours appear-virtually all the pax left waiting I recognised as being in the J cabin.Priority baggage is not RJ's forte.
Still by just after 1600 we are in the SGS merc heading for Asoke.You can now use complimentary wifi in their cars.On arrival straight to our suite.the young lady is impressed that we know we have had this room before which we call the "overture"suite-1812.First thing was to have a soak in the bath-the first full sized bath since we left Jordan after our stay there.Then unpacked and time for happy hour.

Walked into the Living Room and one of the girls comes over and asks-'2 white wines?"the pianist turns around and says "hi guys".yet it has been 9 months since our previous visit.The next night the GMs deputy walks in,comes over to us,pulls up a chair and has a chat.This recognition and the brilliant,friendly service here is why it is our favourite hotel-green ties and all.

For the different activity we did in Bangkok see here-
http://www.australianfrequentflyer....hotos/day-bangkok-long-mini-report-42416.html

next a short report of the rest of our stay in Bangkok and off to Tokyo.

 

[mrs.dr.ron]

next a short report of the rest of our stay in Bangkok and off to Tokyo.

And drron gets into trouble

or

how drron gets into big trouble in little china .............

 

[drron]

The trouble comes later.
Back to the rest of our Bangkok stay which basically goes to a regular scipt.This time on our first day we went to a couple of tailors reccomended here and on FT.Unfortunately there was none of the particular colour that mrsdrron says I need for a new sports coat.My relief doesn't last long as it is on to the Skytrain for what is usually the first thing we do in Bangkok-visit the Jim Thompson outlet store.Catch the train to Bung Chak station then walk back towards the CBD for a short distance to Sukhumvit Soi 93.7500 baht later we have lunch there-a simple menu at low cost.We share the Vietnamese spring rolls and pomelo salad and have 2 lemongrass juices-cost 688B.

Back to drop off the parcels before more shopping.Robinsons and terminal 21 are right across the road from the SGS.At terminal 21 we also graze-coconut pork and chicken on sticks-yummy-and the best oyster omelette we have had since our early trips to Singapore and it only cost 50B($1.65).As we do every evening when here it is happy hour in the Living room.Although 9 months since we were here last the girls just ask-"still the white wine".Randy the pianist turns around and says "Hi guys".Then comes and has a talk with us in his break.The Asst GM comes in later and comes over and pulls up a chair.This is why we love this hotel.Dinner is usually from the menu here which has improved significantly this year or we order dishes from the Italian or Thai restaurant to have during happy hour.The Italian chef recently won his challenge in the Thai version of Iron Chef.

Other things we did included lunch at Shabusi at Central world-you get a seat for 75 minutes and it is all you can eat shabu shabu + sushi and soft drinks for 319B($10).Sitting next to me was a young Thai guy who was a third my size but ate 3 times my amount-totally unfair!
Also as usual a massage at the place in the basement of the Westin building.An hour costs 300B.Mrsdrron also had a pedicure again in the Westin building but at street level-400B.She felt it was one of the better ones she has had and the price was certainly right.

I'll just end this post with the night view out of the Overture suite,then will come the flights to Tokyo and when I quite unfairly get into trouble.