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Saturday, June 29, 2013

Topkapi Palace, Byzantine Cisterns and the Blue Mosque, Istanbul

Well today was another full day. We hardly leave the Sultanahmet area. Too much to see.
I have to admit I was tired today so I didn't rush about too much. The treasury from the Palace and the relics were pretty amazing. Bos loads of people everywhere.
Perhaps the loveliest place was the cistern. just outside the palace walls and boasting Medusa heads. Beautiful and atmospheric.
We popped into the Blue Mosque too. Beautiful, spacious, ornate and peaceful.
A full day.

Friday, June 28, 2013

The Porte and the Grand Bazaar, Istanbul

The guide said we would need about three hours to do some serious shopping in the grand bazaar. How about 8? Albert and I were totally bamboozled by the stalls, the merchants, the wares, the alleys. It took us about two and a half hours of walking and staring before we were ready to start actually buying.
We knew we'd come to buy some things in the bazaar, and felt that we were prepared. We had to get used to the haggling and the 'where are you from's' from all corners but all in all we had a successful day. We even bought a little cushion for our new kittens.
Yesterday evening we went down to the Galata Bridge for the recommended stroll along the harbour. People everywhere. Boat rides offered along side fish sandwiches, fishermen, a few child beggars and a mass of tourists from everywhere.
We ate a cob of corn and took some photos of the setting sun.
Tomorrow we're heading off to the Palace.
We've had a great selection of vegetarian food. All yummy and all cheaper than back home. What else to ask for on holiday?

Thursday, June 27, 2013

Visiting the Sultanahmet, Istanbul

Here we are resting in our cute hotel on our first full day in Istanbul.
It's hotter than Granollers! We're breaking a sweat. Had a cool shower this afternoon to freshen up.
Eating fresh salads and soft delicious breads. Oh, and Turkish Delight!
We spend the morning in Haghia Sophia, one of the most spectacular churches I have been to. I loved it. I love the recently uncovered mosaics! I just love them!
We're off to the porte this evening for an ice cream and one of the pieces of corn they sell for a lire. (30 cents)
This morning we ate breakfast on the hotel roof terrace with a pregnant cat under my chair.