Finally

Too tired to blog, but will add a few photos.  Basically, we managed to get through the airport, check in and eat.  We fought to stay awake until 9 pm, and now we are about comatose...

When we arrived at the Marriott, what was at the front desk?  Turkish Delight, of course.

Our room is on the 17th floor, and very nice.

We asked at the front desk for a "kebap" (kabob) restaurant by the sea, and this was our view from the table.  75 degrees and sunny.  Absolute perfection.

The first course was a salad...notice the ashtray to the right - we noticed a lot of people smoking at the restaurant (outside) and on the streets.  This is a coban salata (shepherd's salad)

And a findik lahmacun (small turkish pizza appetizer)

And an isle kofte (stuffed meatball) appetizer...

And our kebabs - one "Doner," and one "Karisik" (mixed meat)  I tried to explain 'gluten free' but was not so successful.  Ha.  It all came with pitas and wonderful looking ekmek (bread) which was easy for me to avoid.  Everything was fresh and delicious.

And after dinner we shared a Raki - the traditional Turkish apertif.  It is anise flavored, and clear, but turns white when water is added.

I really want to go to a hookah bar, and spotted this one, but had I sat down I still would be there come morning...

After dinner we walked around Kadikoy a bit.  Palm trees!  Who knew?

Cats.  Another surprise.  We saw at least 25 wild cats as we walked around, and a couple right on the restaurant patio.  They mind their own business...but...it's kind of creepy to have them wandering wild.

Sorry for no scenery - tomorrow, I promise!  Good night!