The next morning we enjoyed a very leisurely buffet breakfast in the garden courtyard of our hotel. We started at 8:00, but I think it was 10:00 by the time the food eaten, the photos were loaded, the blog posted, and the research done for the next stop (Cappadocia).

Once our “chores” were done, we explored the old city (Kaleici) including the steep vendor-lined street down to the old Roman harbour. So many people wanting to “help” us. New shirt? Boat tour to the waterfall? Nice towels? How about a carpet?... We came across a fancy restaurant overlooking the harbour that had been recommended by the Danish family we met the previous day so we made reservations for dinner.

From there we explored further around Kaleici and beyond before grabbing lunch at Can Can Pide. We shared a tasty kebab wrap and carried on exploring. I found a store that actually had decent quality clothing that was having an awesome sale, and ended up with a new skirt. This is a big deal when you pack as lightly as I have. There’s been a lot of hand washing of clothes, so a new article of clothing is fun!

Back to the room for a rest, and then off to the hamam. Sadly, there was no space at that time so we booked for the following day. Next on the agenda: fancy pants dinner at Club Arma. The food was excellent and the setting spectacular, but the service was a bit too stiff. Vanilla was head and shoulders above.

On the way back to the hotel Mark tried to convince me to have some apple tobacco smoke from a hookah, but I was too chicken… that night.