We conclude our trip with an extended visit to the Grand Bazaar, and we have a meeting with the the Journalists and Writers Foundation.  We take a stroll in the Taksim area (the "Times Square" of Istanbul),  and we enjoy a final feast worthy of the Sultans.

Click here to see just a few of the pictures from our time in Istanbul.

Well, we have returned to what is now our beloved Istanbul.  We have a busy day visiting a very modern hospital, and we enjoy a lovely lunch overlooking the city.  We visit the STV television studio, and we have a glorious boat trip around Istanbul.  We then meet with a woman's alliance doing remarkable work throughout Turkey and the world.  And we finish the day with Turkish Coffee at a bistro on the river.  Words simply can't describe what we are experiencing.

Click here to see just a few of the pictures from our time in Istanbul.

Upon arrival in the coastal city of Izmir, we immediately boarded a bus that took us on a day long journey to the home of the "Mother Mary," to Ephesus, to the St. Johan Basilica, and to the mosque next to it.  After a long day, we traveled back to Izmir and had dinner with a wonderful family.

Click here to see just a few of the pictures from our time in Izmir.

We were so fortunate to visit the remarkable city of Antalya.  Antalya is located on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea.  As you will see from the pictures, the view from our hotel balcony was breathtaking.  We also visited the Roman theatre at Aspendos, and we spent a lovely afternoon visiting the waterfalls.

Click here to see just a few of the pictures from our time in Antalya.

This morning we had a charming breakfast at a lovely summer home in the country.  This was followed by a brief visit to a museum featuring mosaics.  We then had another joyous visit to an extraordinary elementary school.  We then dashed to the airport for our trip to Antayla on the sea.

Click here to see just a few of the pictures from our time in Antep.

Earlier days seemed to emphasize the places and people.  Today it seems we focused more on the land and the water.  As Karla wrote earlier, we are running out of superlatives to express the depth and richness of our experience.

Click here to see just a few of the pictures from our time in Hurran and Antep.

The majority of the day was spent on the road (or more precisely, in the air).  However, upon our arrival in Urfa we visited the bazaar area and enjoyed the most extraordinary meal with a gracious family. 

Click here to see just a few of the pictures from our time in Urfa.

We had more exposure to the beauty of the city and the places of Istanbul.  On Friday, we had experienced the joy of meeting the children of Konya.

Click here to see just a few of the pictures from our time in Konya.

We've had an amazingly full day that included hours and hours soaking in the splendor of Istanbul.  Highlights included grand Topkapi Palace, the historic Hagia Sophia church, the strange but magnificent underground cistern, and meeting the Imam at the awe-inspiring Blue Mosque.  A day will never forget.

Click here to see just a few of the pictures from our day in Istanbul.

Okay, it's 11 p.m. in Istanbul, and we haven't been to bed in a very long time (as in two days).  That being said, we had to go out and explore the city.  We had the most unbelievable meal, and then we hit the Grand Bazaar and many other places.

Click here to see just a few of the pictures from our first night in Istanbul.