Istanbul...Day Four

Started out at 9:00 am getting our hair blown out! It was 10 Turkish lira so about 6.25 US...and is a must do according to Aysun and the women of her culture. They go three to four times a week to have a "blow-out" according to how oily your hair gets. It felt like such pampering to me but is just an every couple day "errand" for a large population of the Turkish women. I loved it!! The place was literally down the street and we obviously walked. It was SO busy and is like this all day long. There are "beauty parlors" on like every street corner. I started to be able to pick out all the ladies who had a "blow-out"...it's amazing how different your hair turns out and looks!! Then, all of us went by car over the tension bridge and headed to the Asian side of the city. We strolled along Bagdat Avenue (Michigan Ave. on steroids and more green trees) just shopping, walking, and eating of course. We seemed to do a LOT of eating!! We stopped at the Mado Cafe (famous in Turkey for their ice cream) and had lunch and dessert, once again!! It was about 79 out and sunny with a great breeze. Such a nice day for a long stroll. There were clowns, musicians, bands, and great people watching for all of us. In the late afternoon, we headed back to Semih and Aysun's for a quick change of clothes, let the babysitter in, brush our teeth and to head back out. This time...a hired car was taking us to a "surprise location!" Well, we went down by the sea and our driver dropped us off (pretty much in the middle of the street). Jon and I were still clueless...but then we hopped on a boat. It was taking us out to an island called Suada "Su means water" and "ada means island" which had 6 restaurants to choose from. We had reservations at Mezzaluna...a great Italian one with a stunning view. I think the Batum's asked for the best table in the house because we sure had it!! As the night crept on we were doing shots and eating some fruit for dessert!! And yes, a few green plums made it into my handbag. Unfortunately, I didn't bring my camera to dinner (I was not a happy girl when I saw where we were eating and I didn't have my camera) but I have a wonderful memory in my head so that's all that matters. Once again, another great day and evening with super friends!!