The train is so much nicer when you’ve got a sleeper. I was incredibly excited by everything – the comfy seats, the bed, the little basin, the little Turkish State Railways soap… I was probably very easily pleased because I’d sent two weeks living with 100 people in a crowded dig house, but it was still all very lovely.
The weather is in the 30s but not as hot as Konya, which has been in the 40s.
My train to Bucharest leaves at 10pm tomorrow night so I’ve got until then to explore Istanbul again.
It’s weird being back, especially around Sultanahmet. Istanbul hasn’t changed much, but I guess I have because a lot has happened in the six years since I was last here.

I leave site tomorrow. I’m hot, dusty, covered in bites (mostly mosquito), tired, and I’m looking forward to a room by myself and food that doesn’t have to serve 100 people, but I’m still really sad to be leaving tomorrow.
I should be in Istanbul by Saturday morning, then on Sunday night I head to Bucharest, passing through Bulgaria. I hope I actually end up in Bucharest, the agency I booked the ticket through seem a little vague about exactly when and where the train goes after Bulgaria. I’ve always wanted to go to Serbia but not on this trip.
It’s been really busy, too much to do as always, but the work is such a brilliant challenge that I’ll miss it when I’m gone. I’ll be working on things after the season finishes but it’s never quite the same.
It’s been quite hot, 40C on the mound. Have taken some photo and video but no idea when I’ll get to put them online.