I guess the good thing about the travelers.... was that I did lose 10 pounds. We ended up leaving our tour and taking a boat to Samos, Greece where we had quite a nice time.

Please excuse this question as I mean no disrespect and it is asked in all sincerity. In view of some of the current anti-American sentitments swirling have any recent travellers to Turkey felt unwelcome?

I don't mean to start a troll tirade. Just a cautious traveller.

Cheers, the turnip

The Ayasofia Pansionylari is a hotel behind Aya Sofia. It consists of rooms in townhouses previously owned by Ottoman government officials. They are built up against the Topkapi Palace walls. Good price, quite comfortable.

Pammukale was too cold to fully enjoy during our visit in May/June, but it was fun.

If you are a man, the Turkish guys will treat you well.

It is not difficult to learn a few words of Turkish and they will go a long way.

Dear Turnip - expect a warm welcome in Turkey. We have just returned and we found the Turks to be the most friendly, congenial, and welcoming of people. Though they did not allow America to use Turkey as a staging point in the war, they do not feel that this should be taken as an anti-american sentiment. Most Turks we talked to felt they were placed in a no-win situation - either upset the US or face anarchy in their neighbor. I will not comment on the "political correctness" of their decision, but I will say that we were treated as friends and we never experienced any anti-american sentiment. Go and enjoy a truly fantastic and friendly country!

LEANNAT: You asked about tour companies - I went with Pacha Tours and it was excellent; extremely knowledgeable guide. Even lucked out with a 4 person tour (thought they would have cancelled with just 4 of us but they said, you paid so you go!). I have a trip report if you're interested (or anyone else). Just e-mail me at [email protected].

eurotraveller: Do spend time in Cappadocia - amazing place, other worldly. Istanbul is amazing with the mosques, palace, Grand Bazaar and cruise on the Bosphorus.

Turkey always rises to No.1 when I'm asked about my best trip. Have a wonderful time.

To help avoid intestinal problems...make sure you enjoy the yogurt with every meal; do not drink fuit juice unless it's bottled (could be made from concentrate); and do not have any lettuce. Those are the big 3.

Once in Greece, how do we get to Istanbul? Do we have to go to Rhodes and then ferry to Turkey? What is the best way to leave Greece, visit Turkey, and come back to Greece?

Airfare Athens to Istanbul is very cheap ! Marmaris or Bodrum to Istanbul is a fair old hike !!