When last I wrote I was telling you about a trip up the Bosphorus Carin and I were going to take with my class. Let me just tell you we had an amazing time, and unbelievable dinner, and a sunset not to forget.
Here's a pic of Carin with the "other" wife Lisia, who we would like to give a big HELLO to! We started the evening around 5pm by getting on a bus for a 1 hour jaunt that would take us further north, where the cruise would begin. If you look at this map, you will see there are two major suspension bridges that cross the Bosphorus at its narrowest points. We began our trip on a nice yacht capable of carrying 20+ people by the bridge furthest to the north, rode south for 2 hours, and then turned around and came back to where we started. 
On the way to our furthest point, we were treated to a variety of traditional Turkish "mezza" or hors d'oeuvres, and on the way back we were treated to a feast of freshly grilled whitefish from the Bosphorus, Turkish salad and melon for desert. It was quite the spread.
The main reason for taking the boat trip was to see the variety of old mansion architecture along the strait, all of which was reminiscent of any waterway's big dwellings. Even though the Bosphorus is really a strait connecting the Black Sea to the Marmara Sea, it feels more like a large river, similar to the Mississippi, but with water that is much clearer and salty. We had such a great time with the breezes in our hair and the wonderful water all around, the entire adventure turned out to be a real treat. (To the left you'll see a beautiful pic of the bridge as the sun was going down).
Today was our last full day in Istanbul. My classes are all over, I've had my sketchbook looked at and approved by the professor, and now its time for some serious vacationing. Carin and I will leave tomorrow around 2:30pm for the airport, where we'll catch a 3 1/2 hour flight to Barcelona. We're really looking forward to this "belated honeymoon", just the two of us enjoying a city we have both looked forward to exploring for a long time. We'll be in the city for 3 days and then will head up the coast to Cadaques, where we'll enjoy 2 more days lounging on the beach, breathing (probably) the cleanest air we've yet experienced in Europe. Ahhhhh.....So that's it for now. Thank you so much for following our adventures in Roma and Istanbul, and we look forward to telling you all about the "end" of our trip in Barcelona. Its hard to believe the time has gone this fast, but as they say, all good things must come to and end....for now, that is ;-) Ciao.
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