May 12 Istanbul I have never been so close to 15,000,000 people. This is a hustle bussel place. We spent the day with a terrific guide named Murat, a Muslim. I learned a lot and continue to believe that people do not make war; politicians and religious leaders make war and they, in modern times, could not do it without a media that thrives on it and feeds the conflicts. Istanbul is an amazing place with lots of history. Structures like Il Sophia which was the largest building in the world for more than 1,000 years and built in the 6th century is just one. It is a magnificent building with beautiful mosaics depicting the Virgin, Christ and the disciples. These were all covered up with carpets and plaster when it was converted to a mosque. Now it is a museum where Muslim and Christian symbols are displayed side by side. Hopefully, a sign of things to come. The Blue Mosque just three minutes walk from Il Sophia is also an architectural and engineering wonder as is the Sultan’s palace next door. The Sultan who built this place had 1,300 cooks and more than 100 wives! Look these places up on the internet it will be worth your time. We are on our way to Cairo now flying at FL450 over the Med. I will be home Friday and can’t wait to see my bride, Mary. This is an unbelievable trip but nothing beats being home with your loved ones. More soon Mercer