I skimmed thru the Norway "book" and headed to IST with you. Loved the story about the spice market passby(s). Walking in the city is tough and I can imagine what it was like when it's hot. Our guide said he and his wife leave the city in August and "chill" in Antalya. If you want more vanilla beans, send me a PM (I have about 120 left from half kilo I bought in Bali!) We also enjoyed the food @most places. Did you get to see the views from a terrace at any time? Would you go back for a longer stay someday? Thanks for sharing the journal.