Istanbul Saturday

At 10.30 we are taken to the airport and say a tearful farewell to our German friends. Our flight is at 4.30 and we arrive in Heathrow at 6.30 British time, then on the National Express to Cardiff to be met at 11.30 by Mike and taken home.

.............to be continued.

Istanbul Saturday Agenda

16:35 Farewell to Maerdy Infants: Janet Phillips, Dawn Wood, Sandra Marsh.

Istanbul Friday

After breakfast were taken to school for final meeting. Met the parents group who had prepared Traditional Turkish food for us to taste. We spoke to the parents who were very inquisitive. We met with the principal and were presented with gifts, musical instruments of the area. In the afternoon we went to the small Bazaar and bought coffee, tea etc. We walked over the Galata bridge to watch fishermen casting their rods, then even though the wind is blowing and the sea is rough “we partners want adventure” and take the boat ride down the Bospherous river. Half way down the river had to abandon the boat due to sickness and rough waters!!!!!! We have to take the taxi for the rest of the journey and squash 10 people into 2 taxis to go to Autor shopping /cafe bar area. Once we all feel better we have a meal and some traditional Turkish ice cream. We say a sad farewell to Funda and return to hotel to pack cases.

Istanbul Friday Agenda

11:00 Guests leave hotel for Project Meeting (3)
The topic of the meeting;
"Last arrangements, wishes and suggestions.
Meeting with the Leap parents.
Giving presents to the schools and to the teachers (contact person–headmaster–Owner of
the school)"

14:15 Farewell to Giant Leap: Isabel Stolte Tanja Spieth.

16:45 Farewell to Städtischer Kindergarten. Thomas-Mann-Straße: Edith Britah, Reinhard Taugner, Siran Fuchs.

Istanbul Thursday

Excursion and sight seeing day. Taken at 10.00 to the Sultanamet old city, saw Aya Sophia, Blue Mosque, Cisterns then had snack in open air cafe. Then went to Grand Bazaar 65 streets of small shops, wonderful!! It was so big that we had to follow Funda and Minik all the time so as not to get lost. Haggled to buy some leather bags Dawn managed to get a real bargain. The Germans kept wandering and we had to wait around for them not for them to get lost. Went on to the incredible Spice Market again, another fantastic place. In the evening went to the Taxim modern area and had a meal, bought presents for our hosts and driver of course, also some Turkish delight. Ended up in an Irish bar for a quiet drink at the end of a very busy day with Shakira, Beyonce, Nellie Furtado, and The Spice Girls!!!!!! Arrived back at hotel quite late.

Istanbul Thursday Agenda

Starting at 10:00 at the hotels, guests will be taken on a day long tour of the city followed by evening entertainment, arriving late back at the hotel.