Benenden on the Bosphorus
Most Parents' Associations settle for a Quiz Evening, Cheese and Wine Nights and perhaps a Summer Ball but not the intrepid parents of Benenden School. They have just spent four packed days (and nights) in Istanbul exploring the cultural and culinary delights of this most fascinating of cities.
They were based at the ideally located Eresin Crown Hotel in the Sultanahmet area of old Istanbul from where they set out to explore such iconic buildings as the Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque and the Hippodrome. The Byzantine Underground Cistern of Justinian I is extraordinary and just a few steps from the Topkapi Palace and the Rustem Pasa Mosque. Other highlights were the Grand Bazaar and the Spice Market which were everything you would expect from such centres of bustling commercial activity.
Carpets were purchased that were almost too heavy to lift but British Airways didn't turn a hair on the return flight. We dined splendidly including a Dinner Cruise on the Bosphorous complete with enthusiastic Belly Dancer and great fun, as they say, was had by all.
We had thought that last year's trip to Malta would be difficult to beat but the general feeling at the end of our Turkish adventure was that it had been equally as good. The only challenge now is where to go next year.....
Posted on: 06.06.2011
