19 October, Istanbul
Haci Mimi Apartment 53TL

Formally introducing Bertie, our travel companion. Charl and I have moved several times during the 16 years we have been sharing a home. We lived for a period in a small apartment in the suburb of Ferndale in Johannesburg. Two things resulted from this particular move: we decided that when we were ready to buy a place of our own it would be in Ferndale, and we acquired Bertie. Bertie had been abandoned by his former family and Charl discovered him alone and bewildered in one of the Ferndale cupboards. Charl is a magpie. In generous mood, I would define him as a “collector”, in irritation as a “hoarder”. Whatever the case, Bertie moved in with us. I think it is his endlessly cheerful expression and tolerant outlook on life that persuaded Charl to bring him along for the ride through Turkey and points beyond. We quite often find ourselves talking about Bertie: “Have you got Bertie?” “Bertie needs a bath.” “Did Bertie enjoy the aqueduct?” Yes, I know, it’s a little strange, but it keeps us entertained. A lazy day at home.