Gulegule Turkey

Merhaba everyone!

Today is our last day in Instanbul, Turkey. Donna and Herb will be
picked up here at the Amiral Palace Hotel this morning and driven to
the airport. I don't know if we mentioned that upon arrival in Turkey
because we were delayed we ended up taking public transportation from
the airport to the area of town where our hotel was located.

Yesterday we spent a lot of time at the Jewish Museum. On Saturday
night we met with Berna, who works for Oasis- our Istanbul tour
agency. She is a Sephardic Jew and was interested in meeting Herb and
Donna. Herb had some information about his family and she recognized
some of the family names. She also told us what it is like to be
Jewish in Turkey. Historically there were good relations between the
Muslims and Jews, in fact the Ottoman Empire invited the Jews to
settle in Turkey after the Edict of Spain in 1492. However current
events have changed the situation. An important synagogue in Istanbul
was bombed in 2003 and Berna lost a dear friend (who was 5 months
pregnant). Berna told us that some people have been able to get
Spanish passports if they can prove their heritage.

The museum was in an old synagogue, tucked away near the entrance of
the funicular. The sign for the museum was very subtle. Security guard
and a cursory check of our bags. We were the first visitors. Good
displays. Joel found the administrator who was very interested in
talking with Herb. She gave him some contact information and called
the curator who also has the name Avigdor. Since it was Sunday he was
not at the museum. Herb told her about his mother and the little
information he has, including showing a picture of his mother on a
balcony of an Istanbul apartment.

We walked the streets of the area near the museum, didn't see the
building. Joel approached some men and showed them the picture.

It was a fun day, lots of walking. I have started taking some pictures
so that Joel will be in some of them. Herb and Donna are looking
forward to returning home.

We will spend the day out touring the city, hope to see the Cisterns
and possibly experience a Turkish Bath. Our train to Bulgaria leaves
at 10pm.