İstanbul

When Michael Palin visited Istanbul in his 'New Europe' series, he says that you have a true sense of arrival in one of the worlds truly great cities. He's bang on.

The Turkish capital is, as you would expect given its history, a real melting pot of cultures, sounds, sights and smells. Packed to bursting point with people from all walks of life living together in this baking hot crossroads between the mystical East and modern West.

The minarets and domes of the Blue Mosque are the epitome of Istanbul. The imposing holy site rises up from the top of a hill - the call to prayer strikes you in a way that instantly calms your mood - its all very impressive!

Like I said, East meets West - the yellow cab's remind you of a scene in New York, yet Turkey's vibrant, Eastern flag spices up the picture. The Turks love their flag - it flies literally EVERYWHERE!

Journey's end... After a month on the continent, it was finally time to head for home - and what better place of departure than this fabulous city. Istanbul left it's mark on me - I'm desperate to return!

София/Рила, Република България

Welcome to Sofia! One of my favorite ports of call along my Eastern European adventure, the Bulgarian capital is brash, grand and exciting...

Uncomfortable plastic seats (the sleeper cars had sold out!) made it a LONG night on this train from Bucharest...

Welcome to Sofia - Communist style! I actually witnessed a horrific accident in this station involving an elderly woman,  however she was treated by one of the station staff and was very thankful for my help (without speaking any English). The main ticket hall here is incredibly imposing - I love the raised motif that runs the entire width of the building - right up my street!

I took a day trip to the Rila Monastery which turned out to be one of the most tranquil places I have EVER been at home or away...

 The monastery sits high up in he mountains and is shielded from the wind by its high walls...

This beetle was the liveliest creature in the entire complex! He was scurrying around all over the place... and he was HUGE!!