We cast a wary eye to the skies this morning but they were blue and benign so it was off to catch a ferry up the Bosphorus.  This used to be the public ferry run until they realised that all the tourists were catching it because it was so much cheaper than the private cruise boats, so now it operates as a tourist attraction.  The four of us settled into our seats and let the scenery pass by.  The ferry makes 5 or 6 stops as it heads north, criss crossing the channel, and we got close up views of some most impressive waterside real estate, along with huge cruise ships.

Cruise ships on the Bosphorus

Our final port of call was the fishing village of Anadolu Kavagi, where we had fresh fish kebabs for lunch, which was fortification for climbing the very steep hill to the ruins of Yoros Castle.  From here we had clear views to the Black Sea, which it defended.  Nowadays you have to fight your way through a series of hillside restaurants, but the scenery is well worth the effort.

Yorus Castle

Us at the Black Sea

The return cruise was equally relaxing and gave us spectacular views of the minarets bathed in gold as the sun set.

Golden minarets

We headed to the nearby Spice Market, which was a real sensory treat with its vibrant colours and heady fragrances.  You could buy all sorts of spices, many of which I’d never seen before.  We were tempted by the saffron but of course can’t take it home.

Spice market – beautiful aroma

Ilze window shopping at the Spice Market

Finally it was time to register for the orienteering competition!  I have never seen such a posh event centre, set up in a 4 star hotel.  Puts our usual dusty country halls to shame.  They seem very well organised and have given us a very well put together information pack.  Pete and I have to arrive at 9am tomorrow to collect our Australian flag.  The four of us have travelled further than anyone else to compete.

This is what we walk past in the evenings. It’s a tough life.

We finished a lovely day with another excellent dinner at our favourite restaurant, Neyzade.  The waiter is a real character and the Anatolian food is delicious.  Now time for bed, it’s a big day tomorrow, our first foray into European forest! Wish us luck …