Back from tour break in Santorini! It's as beautiful as people say, affordable, and accessible. The beaches are wonderful, and Akrotiri, the Greek equivalent of Pompeii, was amazing to see, as it's still a work in progress. Maybe someday I'll get to see the whole city excavated!

After a long night in the Athens airport, Max, Lex, and I flew in to Istanbul. Our route to our homestay took us on a bus directly to Taksim Square, where protests and violence had occurred only days before. It was quite calm now, although you could not look at any part of the big plaza without seeing heavily armed police. From there, we took a heart-racing taxi ride to our homestay, where we met up with more of the Whiffs.

After washing up, we headed back out, taking the funicular up from the Bosphorus up to Taksim, then walking down the most famous bustling street, with trolley cars running up and down while hawkers sold grilled corn, ice cream, and all sorts of local treats. We had a big lunch and explored for a bit before heading back to nap. That evening we had dinner by the river, and I tried a delicious rose milk. Aside from the noticeable police presence, you'd never guess that revolution and protests weren't distant in anyone's memory.

The next day was for exploring. First, the Blue Mosque, then the Hagia Sofia, which is now a museum, then the Grand Bazaar.

We had an amazing time getting lost in all the stores, watching each other barter for overpriced trinkets, and tasting some authentic Turkish delight! That evening we sang at a girl's lavish 18th birthday party in a beautiful home overlooking the Bosphorus. They had two Calders hanging on the wall!

Then, it was straight to the airport. I was struck by how familiar everything seemed along the highway. I kept forgetting we were halfway around the world! Off to Dubai tonight...