Our IWI Neighbourhood Bosphorus Cruise

Sailing down the Bosphorus on a perfect summer's day

What could be more fun than a sunny day out on the Bosphorus with a group of friends? So, for our last IWI Moda/Kadikoy Neighbourhood coffee morning, we did just that. We cruised along, with Europe on one side, and  Asia on the other, up to the entrance of the Black Sea, where we dropped anchor and enjoyed a wonderful day.

We met at Kandili, where we waited for our boat

On the way, we saw this vintage ferry boat, out on the water

Come on in, the water's great!

Everything was provided for us; the food, the drink, the stunning view, and the inviting water. The lunch, produced by the crew, was excellent. Unfortunately, everything looked so delicious that I, for one, just got stuck in and forgot to take a photo, so you will just have to think of every type of mezze that you can imagine. The table was groaning with so much food, that we thought that was all, and everyone filled their plates. Then came the fish, freshly cooked on the outside barbecue. It was so tender and succulent that we had no trouble in pollishing that off too, helped down by a couple of glasses of wine.

Everyone was quite relaxed...

...as we sailed along the Bosphorus

Several members had brought along dessert. It looked so inviting that we couldn't say no! Fortunately, everyone swam before lunch, otherwise flotation might have been a problem after all that delicious food. It was such a happy day, and one that I, for one, will always remember with a smile.

The IWI and German Club Cruise up the Bosphorus

 Our vessel, with the captain on the bridge

 
Cruising along the Bosphorus is a wonderful way to escape the heat and bustle of the city. On Thursday, I joined the IWI (International Women of Istanbul) and German Club's boat trip. During the summer months there is a tour every Thursday, all the way along the Bosphorus to a sheltered bay near the opening to the Black Sea.

 Once we had moored in the bay, Naz wasted no time 

before diving in to the clear, green water.

Naz was quickly joined by others

 

Here's a crab, plucked from the sea floor...

...and a fistful of conch shells, 

(yes, that is a man - husbands are welcome too!)

Everyone is asked to bring something to contribute towards lunch or afternoon tea, and as a result, the variety of food is amazing. We all had a marvelous day, although I must confess to having eaten way too much as everything was so delicious!

Relaxing after a delicious lunch.

At teatime, we just had to sample every single offering,

it was our social duty!

Teatime was a serious affair, we just had to try all those cakes!

 

Homeward bound at the end of a glorious day.