The Gala dinner...

To wrap up this two days of celebration and honor the 600 guests arrived from all of Europe, the parents of the bride offered a sumptuous dinner at the Ciragan Sarayi. This antique Ottoman palace in now a Kempinski Hotel and has lost none of its splendor. Its position by the Bosphorus makes it unique. 

As it was a Gala, men had to wear tuxedos and women, long dresses. They were all extremely elegant. The room was decorated with tall vases with white flowers over the tables, illuminated only by candles. As for the menu, it was so exquisite that, even a professional dieter like myself was able to eat without committing many "sins."

Afterwards, a true Turkish orchestra made us all dance.

Well, I will be returning to Istanbul to know more of this incredible city...

Now it's time to get back home...