A friend recently asked me where I would like to go most from the places where N has already been. Unhesitatingly I said ‘Istanbul’. The thought of Istanbul is thrilling – a heady mix of European and Asian delight (Turkish Delight?) which sounds exotic, chaotic, hustling and bustling. ‘OK,’ she said. ‘I’ll come with you!’ I replied, ‘Ok! Let’s do it!’

That’s how it happened; that’s how I’ve found myself having booked for 4 nights in Istanbul in October once my exam is out of the way, with a lovely friend who is as excited as I am about the trip.

When I came home and said to N that Ruth and I were going to Istanbul, all of a sudden he who has shown no interest in ever going to Turkey again having spent 6 months there some 15 years ago, suddenly said ‘I want to go to Istanbul with you!’. Ruth apparently had the same reaction from her husband – who had also previously refused her request to go to Istanbul.

Well, they should have taken the opportunity when it was offered! Our flights are booked, and we will be in Turkey in October!