Istanbul

IWe were allowed early check-in at the Jumeriah Pera Palace.  We chose the hotel because it was one of the hotels that received travellers on the Orient Express. 

It is a little like a museum with old / antique furniture and rooms dedicated to Ernest Hemingway and Aghata Christie. 

The lounge was originally the dining room and men had to wear DARK suits at dinner on Thursday and Saturday nights. In 1943, hot water was only available until 10 pm because of a shortage of coal. 

When we were shown to our room, we rode the antique elevator - the first in Istanbul.  It is not in general use. 

There is a patisserie cafereria with the most mouth watering  temptations and afternoon tea is served each afternoon in the lounge. I had an excellent pot of tea there. It was beautifully served.

The bedrooms are bedecked in old world luxury, with lofty, highly adorned ceilings together with modern touches  -  curtains close with the touch of a button 

Tonight we had dinner with Agatha in her restaurant. She told me that it is only supposition that she wrote 'Murder on the Orient Express' here. 

I had an Daquari to honour Earnest but he wasn't about, perhaps he was in Cuba or In the Florida Keys? 

This Is not my first visit to Istanbul . I spent a few days here on my return from

Japan four years ago . It is hard to re-create one's initial reaction to this vibrant city.

This afternoon we strolled up Istiklal Street and arrived in Taksim Square. The street was thronged with people similar to Grafton Street on Christmas Eve but multiplied by infinity! In the midst of the otherwise pedestrianised area run two, old trams, hooting people out of their or  awaiting some service vehicles to vacate their rails.  

As we had journeyed all through last night, we were flagging earlier,so it is an early night for us - ready to walk the European part of Istanbul tomorrow. 

Last blog tomorrow....