We awoke still tethered to the dock - there's still a half day left in Istanbul before the engines start up for the first time. Not feeling pressured to sightsee we slept in a touch but then the memory of the pound of butter I had for dinner last night (Maryland Crab Cake, Dover Sole, Lavender Creme Brûlée) prodded me out of bed and I hied myself to the gym. Mom and I both did the treadmill, then congratulated ourselves with a buffet breakfast in the Terrace Restaurant. Really, onboard for under 24 hrs and already feel like we've overeaten! I'm afraid food is going to be the theme for this trip - food and my lack of avoidance of it!
Our sightseeing today consisted of taking the underground funicular up to Taksim Square for a look around. The site of all the recent unrest in Istanbul, it was not only deadly quiet, there was no evidence left at all of the terrible riots. We strolled the square, took in the park, then walked down the wrong road back to the waterfront. We were sooo close to finding the scenic street, just a divergence away...instead we trundled down past grocery stores and lounging mangey cats for a look at 'local' Istanbul.
Back to the ship for lunch in the "Grand Dining Room" - our only choice for a non-buffet meal. It's a lovely large room in the aft of the ship, surrounded by huge windows on 3 sides. Decorated in subdued gilt and restrained glitz, it has a modern touch that makes it quite lovely.
Luckily there's a Canyon Ranch Spa Menu in addition to the OTT regular offerings so we had Roasted Tomato Soup with Crunchy Tortillas, then a Roasted Chicken, Avocado, Tomato Ciabatta (sin ciabatta) with a delicious vinaigretted slaw.
Someone barely had time to slurp down some strawberry ice cream (hint: not me) before we had to scurry down to our Muster Station drill. 
From this important event I learned that it'd be easier to hop down onto the lifeboats located mere inches from our balcony than push thru the crowds to the forward auditorium; and two, life jackets make quite comfortable headrests when an afternoon snooze sneaks up on one.
The day's entertainment didn't end there! We 'de-ported' shortly after 3pm so we claimed a windy viewing point on the uppermost deck to watch the casting off of the dock lines, and to see the city of Istanbul slip away.
Then it was Tea Time in the Horizons bar! Also on the 15th deck, it is forward-most and therefore has a sweeping 270 degree view of the ocean around. We got prime seats and settled in for the afternoon with our books and refreshments.
Then 5:45pm rolled around and the cake trolleys were replaced by glasses of champagne and punch. The Captain's Welcome Aboard reception was starting and there I was in my t-shirt and Crocs, surrounded by cocktail dresses and zirconia! I scurried down to my room, after imbibing a free cocktail of course, to change into more suitable attire and sauntered back in time to hear the captain's address.
At 6:30pm, not having a reservation for a specialty restaurant tonight, Mom and I returned to the main dining room for yet more food. Moules Mariniere then Roasted Chicken Breast for me, Caesar Salad and Prime Rib for Mom.
T'was a smart choice to eat early (or continue eating, we said) as by the time we left all those who stayed with the free drinks at the Captain's Reception were lining up to get in!
Tonight we have the option of Trivia in the Martini Lounge, String Quartet in the Riveria Lounge/Muster Station, or cozy beds with books. Hmmm, decisions decisions!
Tomorrow: Kusadasi & Ephesus.
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