Istanbul April 19-25, 2012

We had five fun days in Istanbul, staying at the new Meridian Hotel, walking distance from Barry and Meltem's apartment.   Ozan says we were there SIX days.  (he's right as we had dinner the first night)

Highlights:

• Princes Island ferry trip
• Afternoon at Hotel in pool and spa
• Dinner with Meltem and Barry's friends Asli and Wilfried (no pics!)
• Kariye Müzesi (Chora Church) and lunch with Meltem's parents Sadan and Ertan 
• Family baby-welcoming party at Hasan and Elif's to meet cousin Zeynep
• Pera Museum for a Goya exhibit and tour of Pera Palace Hotel with tea
• Playing in the yard with rockets, helicopters, neighbors and dog
• Sushi and the hotel

Princes Islands: We took the ferry to the fourth Island, Büyükada

Lunch on the water

The Ferry Terminal

in the carriage

walking up to the Greek Cathedral

At the top

Riding down

Afternoon at the hotel... Ozan in the pool with Grandpa and Susan, Barry and Meltem at the spa.  It's a beautiful pool, with star lighted ceiling that changes color.  

Grandpa dries and dresses

Chora Church 

Kelepir Family party at Hasan and Elif's

Melek and Meltem with sticker book

Uncle Hasan and Ozan 

Melek's room

Ozan with Cansu

Grandmother Sadan - Meltem's mother

Meet baby Zeynep, 3 weeks, with mom Elif

Pera Museum and Tea and tour of Pera Palace Hotel

yum

Playing with Ozan

Action sequence - Stomp rocket

escaping from fort he built

Beautiful playground and walk at Alkent Park

Helicopter control

It flew 

Pilots

Neighbors visit at the table

Sushi and the Meridian Hotel.  Ozan wanted sushi one afternoon, so we went to the 34th floor, enjoyed the view and ordered a plate.  He ate it all!  

Barry recommended the hotel, which opened in January.  It was lovely. 

In the floor is stone work representing the Bosphorus, with cities named

New security feature.  These posts disappear when a car drives up and the gate opens.

The Meridian Etiler