The Sea of Mamara

Trip Start Dec 29, 2010

118

152

Trip End Dec 05, 2011

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Flag of Turkey Bandirma, Balikesir, Turkey
Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Instead of merely driving into Istanbul, we thought that it would be much more fun, and evocative, to arrive into the heart of old Constantinople by boat. So we left Canakkale in the darkness and found ourselves in Bandirma, a non-descript industrial port town, queuing for the car ferry to Yenikapi (the Istanbul ferry terminal which, amazingly, is located right next to the old city walls).

Sunrise over the Sea of Marmara

We all enjoyed the ferry ride, despite it being much like an English channel crossing, right down the boat being a fast sea-cat so we couldn't actually get out on deck to appreciate much of the Sea of Mamara. The children enjoyed a treat and were allowed to watch DVD's all the way, and Benjamin enjoyed exploring the on-board shop and rather busy "playground".

The approach to Istanbul was impressive, and once again you could sense the history and the strategic importance of the place immediately.

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