Today the first of our tour group, the Lucas and Hooper families arrived safely in Istanbul and were able to get out and see some of the sights. We were amazed at the amount of work being done in Istanbul. Lots of new high rise buildings, almost every one mounting a crane. Taksim square for those who knew it as recently as a year ago is almost unrecognisable. It is being transformed into a beautiful public space. The night was early, our jet-lagged crew in deep recovery. Tomorrow the early flight from Singapore will carry most of the tour party, followed by a couple of stragglers in the afternoon. On Tuesday morning we will meet our Turkish guide Yavuz, and head to Gallipoli.