I’m sorry to hear about your friend and auntie.

Thanks. Just the kinds of hand grenades life throws at you.

I’ve heard a lot of people say they enjoyed Istanbul, what did you enjoy about it?

I should caveat it with the fact that I am not really a big city kind of guy but I have been to a few. So what do I like? The people, the food, all things to see and do and, yet, it doesn't feel like a huge city. You can stay up near Istiklal, stroll down (or take the Tunel - the world's second oldest underground railway) down to the Galata Bridge and then wander up through the spice market into the Grand Bazaar. From there you are just a short stride away from any number of historical sites. I've travelled the length and breadth of the country and, if you go to Turkey, I'd recommend going central and eastwards (although I still have a few boxes to tick in the west as I wasn't "allowed" to go to Troy and I'd like to finally make it to Afyon) as there are wonders to see out that way, but if you only had a week and/or wanted a city break, then go to Istanbul.

We stayed in Llandeilo in Carmarthenshire, overlooking the valley, it was gorgeous.

Sounds great - we might head over towards thr Llyn peninsula or down the west coast towards Barmouth.