Off to Greece

A few things we've noticed about Istanbul now that the weather has got warmer:

1. It really is a beautiful city - when you aren't staring at your feet trying not to fall on the black ice its not bad at all. Apparently Istanbul has had its worst weather in 20 years and we walked right into the middle of it. But today it was sunny and a gorgeous 4 degrees. The men spruiking their carpets, leather goods, spices and kebabs were out in force.

2. Every Turkish man selling his wares starts with the words "excuse me". He then needs a snappy pick up line - the worst being "your beautiful baby". That's really not going to get people into your store. Cathy fell for the man flogging Turkish Delight who went with "lovely to see you again".

We went to Gallipoli yesterday (Gelibolu in Turkish). As the wind chill factor went below -5, we imagined the Anzacs standing there in their shorts and shirts 8 metres from the Turkish line. It was really incomprehensible as to what they were in fact doing there in the first place. The Turkish guides however were lovely, you would expect them to be angry that we invaded their country however they weren't. We went with Hassle Free Tours who operated a good tour which we would recommend.

We however do not recommend Anzac House, where the heating came on at 10pm and was off by 12pm. I slept in 3 layers including thermals watching my breath each time I exhaled. Shithouse.

The Turkish men have that annoying habit of staring at single women. Lucky Cathy has emerged unscathed (with the husband by her side). Some single Australians were given tapes and coffees and other gifts by smiling, non-English speaking men who huddled around her in packs. Its very ugly and reasonably desperate behaviour.

We've been staying in the Side Pension. 28 Euro per night for our own room and bathroom. Its been fantastic although I'm over the Turkish breakfast however: bread, butter, jam, cheese, tomato, cucumber and olives. Its the same every day. Why however does every meal have to include tomato? Lunch has tomato, dinner has tomato. Over it.

Anyway we couldn't be bothered with the 12 hour bus ride to Thessaloniki and then the train to Athens. 70 minutes in the plane flying Olympic is fine with us.

More stories from Athens.