Istanbul to Rhodes

On our last night in Istanbul we went to a rooftop restaurant with stunning views out over the harbour & the Asian side of the city. We had eggplant dip with fresh flat bread, and I had Iskender kebab with thinly sliced lamb, tomato sauce, salad and zatziki - or whatever the Turkish word is for yoghurt with cucumber.  The waiter told us about his 3 day old baby (his first), and showed us photos of her - he was pleased as punch - still had to go to work though. I guess they don't have paid parental leave in Turkey.

Ros missed breakfast on our last day due to a traveller's affliction which will unfortunately cause her to be thinner than me! So I did my best with fruit and fresh pancakes.  Then we rattled our cases up the cobblestones and caught a couple of trams out to the airport - not much to look at in the burbs of Istanbul really.

Great flight to Athens on Turkish Airlines - in an hour & 20 mins we had drinks, and a prepared tray with loads of goodies - best of all the salmon with potato salad. I also watched a movie (Woman in Gold), but unfortunately didn't get to see the end.  We flew over the Dardanelles & Gallipoli & across the Aegean Sea. It was really weird because our bags were booked through to Rhodes, but we had to go through Immigration and Customs in Athens without our luggage - odd, and of course I was wondering if our bags would turn up at all - they did!

A quick turnaround and we went back in the air heading south east to Rhodes. Yes I know it was slightly backtracking, but it seemed the easiest way - sometimes traveling is easier said than done.

Rhodes has a very ancient history of Neolithics, Dorians, Romans, Knights, Ottomans, Italians, Germans, and Greeks. They have a history of shipping which played a part in today's maritime laws, and they sent boats to fight in the Trojan War.  The walled city where we're staying is one of the finest in Europe, and World Heritage listed. We had to meet our host at one of the gates as there's few street signs, and no numbers.  Only locals can drive into the city, and even then there's only so many streets that would fit a car. Pesky scooters zip around though - bouncing up and down on the uneven stone pathways.

Some old men sit out on the roadside in the cool of the evening and pass the time of day.

I wonder if I should join them?

Predinner drinks at another rooftop bar before an early night.