Viviane joined in November once we had the boat back on the water and we spent a couple of weeks in Istanbul anchored in a small bay off the side of the Bosporus.

Our neighbour was Francis, an English lady from Manchester who had spent most of her working life aboard in Africa and the latter 20 years in Turkey teaching English. As rental prices started to soar in Istanbul over the last 10 years she bought a permanent mooring and a 40 foot motor boat which is now her home. During our stay Francis was having trouble with the authorities renewing he resident’s visa due to bureaucratic nightmare of confusion as changes in the rules for residency were going through at the time.

We enjoyed the city and we found the people very welcoming to foreigners as indeed we found so throughout Turkey. The city has an interesting mix that remains testament to Ataturk’s vision for the secular state. The mosques and the Grand Bazar in the old town are well worth spending a few days to visit. Out of season the place was no busy.  However not sure it could be recommended during high season.

We got to visit Sevan Bicakci's main shop in the Old town to see where he makes these beautiful jewels. We were however disappointed to not be allowed to see the atelier.