In Kona

It is nice to be in tropics - despite the fact that they are having their first thunderstorm in more than 4 years. Aren't we lucky??

Regardless, the snorkeling is absolutely fabulous.

Back in Seattle

Completing an awsome trip, I am back in Seattle. After 36 hours without sleep I have attended the New Year party at Numanoglus.

The Palace

Once in Istanbul, we visited Dolmabahce Palace. This is the new palace used by the last few sultan's of the Ottoman Empire. Unlike the main Topkapi Palace, this one is more like a western palace. They don't allow photography inside the palace so all we got is the picture of the entrence and the fountain in the royal garden.