Saying good bye to Istanbul...

We had a wonderful time exploring Istanbul and enjoyed experiencing a truly different culture from our own. The city is vibrant and full of new sights, sounds and flavors. The Turkish people are very friendly and sincere(if they are not trying to sell you a carpet ; ) The kids tried new foods and the grown ups enjoyed kebabs on the street and delicious lamb casserole for dinner. It was an unforgettable trip!

Our last day in Istanbul was spent visiting the Blue Mosque where Ross needed to cover his legs with a make shift "skirt" and Annette had to wear a scarf covering her head and almost all over exposed parts of the body. Then we went shopping for a few things at the Grand Bazaar. The kids bought some spinning tops and afterward we got some tips from locals at Sultanahmet Square. We had nice dinner overlooking the sea at a table where we "lounged" instead of sat : ) when in Istanbul....

The Bosphorous from the plane!

Aeroflot hat and eye mask...what does a fox say?!

Princes Island

We walked to catch the tram today to catch the ferry to Princes Island. We figured out the route and times online and felt pretty relieved to get there without too much trouble and not costing a ton! The ferry took an hour and a half but we enjoyed the views, the breeze(actually it was very windy and wavy) and it was a fun day out of the city. We went to the largest, Adalar and enjoyed strolling around. The kids insisted on a dip and all of us were splashed by the waves along the shoreline. We had a nice lunch and local ice cream before heading back.

Luke thinks he looks mean...

Touring Istanbul and being on the Asian continent

We did a double decker tour bus all around Istanbul today seeing lots of sights around the city(getting a break from walking). Liam's must do was crossing the Bosphorous Bridge and stepping out onto the Asian continent. The only bridge of its kind connecting two continents as is unique of Turkey itself. We also splurged on lunch at Hard Rock Cafe, to cool off and have some non Turkish cuisine.

Workout fun in Asia

Posing in Asia

Sandomierz and baptism

We visited the historic old town of Sandomierz today and enjoyed walking through the square, climbing to the top of the gate and going through the tourist underground cellars that were builds hundreds of years ago. Later that afternoon we went to church for Lucja's baptism then for dinner at a reretaauent near my mom's village Tarnowska Wola. The kids had fun and were well behaved.

Fun on the sea ...our last day in Greece