Splendid

Fourteen of my lovely neighbour-colleague-friends helped me celebrate my birthday in the cocktail lounge of the Pera Palace Hotel in the twilight hours that followed an enjoyable day. Vodka martinis in the luxurious comfort of plush velvet and Ottoman influenced art deco surroundings, gently lighted, the aptly named Pera Palace is steeped in the history and elegance of a bygone age. Named after the Pera district of Istanbul, it was built in 1892 to host the passengers of the Orient Express.  Guests include Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, Queen Elizabeth II, Greta Garbo, Alfred Hitchcock and Ernest Hemingway - and of course,  Agatha Christie, a frequent visitor who always stayed in room  411. 

Once again, the quality of the photograph is inversely proportional to the experience - so busy enjoying myself no decent photos taken.  Sometimes I would really like to just put the world on hold for a moment whilst I adjust my focus… Alas, no digital memories of this splendid location or event, except for this snap of the hotel’s lobby.  A good reason to return. 

Thank you, my lovely friends who helped make this a very special birthday.