Many people have mentioned that they had to look Istanbul up on a world map. Here is a map of Europe for your reference. As you can see Turkey borders Bulgaria and Greece to the West and then Syria to the East. Clearly we are staying on the western side of Turkey due to unrest in the eastern side and areas near Iran and Syria. Actually, Istanbul is a city on two continents, Europe and Asia!
After arriving at our hotel Bo and I both decided that we wanted to spend the afternoon relaxing as we were both suffering from a bad case of jet lag. Luckily, our hotel is known for their infinity pool overlooking the Bosphorous River which connects the Sea of Marmara to the Black Sea. It forms part of the boundary between Europe and Asia as well! 
We spent three hours napping and enjoying the sun which felt like absolute bliss. There were very few people around the pool since most people spend their days touring Istanbul but the weather and temperature couldn’t have been better. The high each day is around 80 and in the evening it only gets down to 65 or so!
Around 2 Istanbul time we both were hungry and enjoyed a poolside lunch. The Greek salad and prawn pizza were perfect for sharing and the most delicious pool bar food! I love the fact that the Greek salad didn’t have any lettuce instead filled with huge chunks of cucumbers and peppers!
After our relaxing afternoon we toured the hotel grounds and enjoyed the gentle breeze and an evening cocktail.
Okay gang, we’re off to Sunset Grill and Bar for dinner tonight and then hitting the sack early so we can hopefully set our body clocks! Have a great evening!
Hi there – beautiful pictures! Can I ask where you are staying? I am hoping to visit Istanbul next year! Thanks. Gill 🙂
Gillian we are staying at the Kempinski!
Thanks! Have a great time! 🙂
PS – I read your blog from Australia! Love it. 🙂
Have fun! I lived in Istanbul for nine years during my childhood and loved it! Funnily enough one of my 9th grade parties was hosted at your hotel’s grounds during its construction – one of my classmates’ father worked on the project while it was being done/converted.