Spent the day exploring the Gallipoli peninsular. A beautiful place it`s difficult to imagine that so many lost their lives in this spot. Drove to Anzac cove, where the initial landings took place and then up to Lone Pine Cemetery, where many from the allies are buried. Very sobering to see the row after row of grave markers, especially when reading how young some of the soldiers where. Many different cemeteries line the ridge of the hill, Allies one side of the road and Turkish the other, a measure of how near the front lines were at the height of the battle. Later drove down to the British Memorial at Cape Helles. A beautiful spot overlooking the many ships entering the Dardenells on their way to Istanbul or The Black Sea beyond. Have now left Europe by taking the ferry over to Canakale on the other side of the straits. Most hotels full as it is a holiday to celebrate the end of Ramadan. Managed to squeeze me in at the Helen.

Swapped the hustle of Istanbul`s streets for the madness of Turkeys roads. Picked up the car from the airport, so I didn`t have to drive in the city, and headed west. Weather hazy but coastline lovely. Took what I thought would be the shortest way but ended up on a dirt tack high above the sea. Still saw some wonderful views and bits of turkey you don`t see from a bus. Now at the small town of Eceabat looking over the Dardanelles, ready to explore the Gallipoli peninsula tomorrow.

Spent most of the day wandering around the various Mosques on offer in the city, and there are quite a few. The biggest in no longer a Mosque, having been turned into a museum when the country was secularised. The Aya Sofya is an amazing structure, all the more so for being built by the Emperor Justinian in 537. The Blue Mosque next door is almost as stunning and underneath the streets is an old Roman Cistern, a vast underground space used for storing water. Also visited the Grand Bazaar, an large covered area bustling with traders and tourists. Spent the rest of the day wandering the streets and looking at the views. Finished with a Fish Sandwich down by the docks.

Started the day with a walk up to the Topkapi Palace. The home of the Sultans of the Ottoman Empire it boasts a magnificent spot on the hill overlooking the Sea of Marmara and the Golden Horn. Wonderful old buildings and a treasury full of antiques. Rather to many people for my liking but still able to get into all the rooms and courtyards. Visited the Harem where the Sultan housed his 4 wives and 300 concubines. Afterwards explored the Hippodrome, where the Romans had their Circus, and the lanes around the old city. There was a play going on in front of the Blue Mosque. A man dressed as an Orange and a woman dressed as a Tomato were singing rock songs. Obviously an ancient Turkish tradition missed by the guide books.

Early morning flight from Heathrow. It was the second flight of the day, so no queues anywhere. Landed at midday and got tram into the city. Bizarre being on a brand new tram gliding through the streets of old Istanbul. Rather like being on a theme ride at Disney.
After checking in at my hotel, just next to the blue mosque, went for a walk around the old city. The Bosphorous was incredibly busy, ferries everywhere, and hundreds of men fishing. A strong breeze blowing in from Asia.

Checked out of hotel and headed for the Gare de Nord. My train wasn`t until 17.30 so had a few hours to kill so headed up to Montmartre. It`s a steap climb up but you are rewarded with a fantastic view, especially if you climb all the stairs to the dome on top of Sacré Cœur. The whole of Paris is laid out at your feet.

Spent some time wandering the lanes of the village in the footsteps of Van Gough and Renior., before heading for the train and the three hour journey back to London

Spent the day in the luxurious surroundings of Versailles. An amazing place in a gorgeous location. It’s not far from Paris, just 30 mins on the metro, Was a bit packed but I managed to squeeze my way in and enjoy the sights. There is a magnificent Chapel, a wonderful opera house and the stunning Hall of Mirrors, which is just finishing a massive restoration project. There are also the grounds with lakes and formal gardens, plus The Petit Trianon where Marie Antoinette could play at being a housewife. The park has a whole model village built for the Queen including a farm and a dairy. Must have been quite idyllic and a bit of a shock when she was dragged of to Paris to face the guillotine.

Spent the morning in The Louvre, immersing myself in art and culture. Saw all the big ones, Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo etc, plus a few hundred others. It`s an amazing place and you could spend days in there and not see everything. The apartments of Napoleon the third are sumptuous beyond belief.
A beautiful day so spent the rest of the afternoon walking around the islands of the Seine. Popped into Notra Dame. There was some sort of pantomime on with guys in funny costumes waving smoke around and warbling. Very entertaining.
Finished with a boat trip along the river as the sun went down.

Another beautiful day in the French Capital. Spent the morning at the Opera. We visiting the Paris Opera House anyhow. A wonderful building just like in the musical, but no Phantom to be seen. There is a magnificent chandelier and a grand auditorium. This afternoon went to the Conciergerie. A former palace it was turned into a prison and was where the condemned waited to be loaded into Tumbrels , the carts which carried them to Revolution Square and the guillotine. Walked back via the Eiffel Tower and saw it all lit up as the sun went down

Up bright and early to catch the Eurostar to Paris. First time I have been on it and I found it incredibly easy and convenient. Much less hassle than flying, the train brings you right into the heart of Paris and I was able to walk to my hotel.
Staying near the Arc_de_Triomphe. Went for a climb up to the top this afternoon to get my bearings. It`s about 25 years since I last came to Paris, so didn`t remember much. For a start I didn`t realise how flat it was. No hills and not many tall buildings. No wonder the Eiffel Tower sticks out. Talking of which, went for a climb up that notable structure this evening. Walked up to stage 2 and then got the lift the rest of the way. Fantastic views.