Monthly Archives: November 2014

Istanbul, Turkey

P1040392
So what do you do when there’s a Train Driver’s strike in Germany after returning to Europe from the World Travel Market in London? Open your laptop and book a flight to Istanbul. I’ve not ever seen Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof so empty. However, I figure that’s one of the best things about a Eurail Pass, you’re not locked into any particular itinerary. I was able to continue and plan my journey – but in reverse to my original intentions.

P1040488
Off to Istanbul from Frankfurt Flughafen with Onur Air. Not recommended for tall people as there was nowhere to put my legs and those of you who know me I am a tad bit tall. I had to be moved as I was squashed in by a big bloke in front and another behind, thankfully to the exit row whereby you’d normally pay for the privilege. This is a no-frills carrier – pay for meals and drinks.

P1070103
For Australians heading to Turkey the Visa on Arrival (and not collected on your airline ticket) is a cool 50 Euro and can only be paid in cash as no credit card facilities available for processing. Other currencies accepted – British Pound or US Dollars to the equivalent. Other Nationalities reading this, check with your own country’s entry requirements.

P1040583
Very happy to be back in Istanbul and visiting the Sultan Ahmed Mosque and more affectionately known as the Blue Mosque as it was a few minutes walk from where I stayed.

P1040562
Stunning architecture, the interior of the mosque is lined with more than 20,000 handmade İznik style ceramic tiles, it was built from 1609 to 1616 during the rule of Ahmed I. The Mosque has one main dome, six minarets and eight secondary domes. The design is the culmination of two centuries of Ottoman mosque development.

P1040565

P1040627
Even though you must remove your shoes before entering, there’s still plenty of cleaning to be done. Ladies are required to wear a scarf over their heads and cover shoulders.

P1040821
Walking around the Sultanahmet neighbourhood.

P1040820
Sharpening scissors the good old-fashioned way.

P1040833
Looking towards the Bosphorus Sea.

P1040874
Heading over the Bosphorus Bridge before a cruise.

P1040721

P1040780

P1040785

P1040739
Superb fishing I’d imagine.

P1040738

P1040890

P1040828
Heading back after a full day out sightseeing.

P1040612
And back at my favourite little café across the road from my hotel, all of this for about A$6.00

Spice (Egyptian) Market, Istanbul

P1040502
The heady scents of saffron, cloves, sugar and spice fill the air at the Egyptian Spice Bazaar and Market, or Misir Carsisi, one of Istanbul’s oldest markets.

P1040665

P1040666

P1040664

P1040662

P1040660

P1040654

P1040653

P1040652

P1040650

P1040648

P1040644

P1040981
No better place than here to buy Turkish Delight.

P1040659
Finish off the day with my favourite coffee, Turkish of course.

Grand Bazaar, Istanbul

P1040955
Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar is one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world, with 61 covered streets and over 3,000 shops.

P1040998
Mmm, don’t mind if I do …

P1040954
Bling, bling, give me a call …

P1040956
Look at the amazing choices and this is only one jewellery shop.
Jewellers and gold bracelets along Kalpakcılar Caddesi;
Gold bracelets along Kuyumcular Carsısı;
Furniture along Divrikli Caddesi;
Carpets along Sahaflar Caddesi;
Leather goods along Perdahçılar Caddesi
Leather and casual clothes at the Bit Pazarı;

P1040997
Shisha pipe to impress your mates at the next home BBQ?

P1040985

P1040988

P1040984

P1040980

P1040987

P1040986

P1040979

P1040972

P1040982

P1040969
Hard day at the office with all that bargaining.

Monaco – A Royal Visit

Grace Kelly
Grace Kelly taking to the wheel.

ouverture princesse grace2
I was named after Princess Grace and a visit to pay homage to a beautiful lady I’ve followed all my life.

P1040089

P1040045
Undoubtedly a yachting community exists in this fabulous city with the cruise ships a little further out in the harbour.
P1030993

P1040019
Cars of the elite being captured by the Paparazzi at the Casino. 10 Euro entry whether or not you part with any money to play.

P1040079
The famous hair-pin bend in front of the Fairmont Hotel which also includes the salubrious Japanese Restaurant Nobu.

P1030912
Sea-view rooms at The Fairmont have a dreamy blue theme …
P1040083
And when you look out from the balcony, that’s exactly what you see – calmness and serenity.

P1030919
Garden-view rooms have a crisp gold and blue trim to compliment clean white furnishings.

P1030925
Plenty of space for entertaining and functions.

P1030942
Couldn’t wait to slide into this pool.

P1040005
A photo trail of Princess Grace showcasing her daily life can be followed around the main tourist precinct.

P1040046
A classic fun park for the kids in the middle of Monte Carlo.

P1040060
A stylised replica of the great outdoors, with its mountain, hill, waterfall, beach and brook, this surprising 7000 m2 park is an authentic work of art created by respecting the strictest principles of the Zen concept of compactness. It’s located on the Avenue Princess Grace.

P1040104
Walking around enjoying Monaco Ville and surrounds.

P1040171
Changing of the Guard 12:00 noon every day at the Palace.

P1040114
Monaco Cathedral is near the Palace.

P1040186
Princess Grace – laid to rest within the Cathedral.

CREAM__monte
And to end off on a sweet note and one for trivia buffs, Monte Carlo took its name from the famous European city – Monte Carlo as it’s one of Australia’s Arnott’s most famous cream biscuits. Created in 1926, it features two home-style honey and coconut biscuits and a layer of rich raspberry flavoured cream filling. A favourite of mine growing up.

From Nice to Monaco in a Classy Classic Car

P1030832
Right side: Meet owner Fabrice who started his Rent a Classic Car five years ago and now enjoys his stable of cars of distinction and pedigree. Left side, my driver for the trip over is Anton.
See http://www.rentacarclassic.com/rent_a_classic_car_home.html

P1030834 (2)
We’ve decided on the 6 cylinders Mercedes 250 SL which is extremely reliable and superb to look it. (It’s actually a 280 …) Very stylish and a head turner; no not me, the car …

P1030843
Heading off …

P1030840
Taking it easy along the Promennade des Anglais, Nice. Feeling a million dollars right now.

P1030837
Purrs like a kitten.

P1030854
Stopped for a quick view back over the French Riviera, Cote d’Azur

rentacarclassicae
Specifications : White/cream “Mercedes 050” color, “Hellroth” red leather interior, 2 seater, 1360 kilos, 6 cylinders in line 2,8 l engine (7 main bearings), 170 Bhp, 4 speed manual gearbox, assisted disc brakes all round, maximum speed : 200 km/h, “Pagoda” hard-top available on request…

P1030876
Not too far before we reach Eze and other locations where films such as ‘To Catch a Thief’ with Grace Kelly (my idol) and Carry Grant were made with the fantastic car chase sequence.

P1030872

P1030893
Worthy of a stop and look around the magnificent gardens and coastal view.

P1030889
Eze, France

P1030902

P1030865
Coming into Monaco, there’s a few tunnels along the way as Mont Agel is a mountain located on the border between France and Monaco

P1030985
Monaco, known for its Formula One car racing.

P1030940
We went for a ‘spin’ (shh don’t tell Fabrice) around the famous hair-pin bend which is right in front of the Fairmont Hotel which has absolute prime viewing.