"And um, I don't want to start a flame war or anything, but I can't help saying that I find the discussions of the relative beauty of the women of these countries a bit distasteful..."

I can't imagine why. Travelers have been discussing the personal appearance of the locals since travel began. Since it bothers you, however, I'd like to expand on my gallant defense of Turkish womanhood, particularly as to oc's comment as to height. I found many of the Turkish women quite leggy -- and with trim ankles. Oc has lived with them his whole life, but they seemed quite exotic to me.

You seem to be rather new here. May I direct your attention to The Lounge? It positively reeks of sanctimony and sisterhood.

That's pretty much the response I was expecting. As I said, I'm not looking for an argument, I just feel it's my personal moral duty to object to casual sexism, the way I presume you would to casual racism. It doesn't matter if you take any notice or not. As you were.