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.
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?
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.
Today Albert participated in the Half Marathon. Cold, windy and rainy day.
The runners were marched to the starting line by Roman Soldiers through the ruins of Empúries.
It's a lovely seaside town. I could live here. Has a great view over the sea to the Pyrenees. Yesterday the tops were covered in snow.
Albert was very pleased with himself, doing his second best time.
Jett ran the quarter in 25.50.
Everyone happy!
We're in Granollers sports hall supporting the handball.
Three games today. Right now it's Germany and Tunisia.
So today our Spanish and Catalan visitors went to Oslo for the day.
I stayed in Hamar and caught up with two beautiful friends and had a lovely pita bread in Aller Tiders.
I walked home to drink in some of the light and it was icy on the bridge. It's minus 15 in Hamar now, and dropping.
Finally our visitors have some weather worth bragging about.
Today went by in a flash.
The weather has been mild and no snow.
We were lucky enough to meet lovely friends at Pepe's Pizza before we went to an impromtu lunch with Farmor.
Later we all went to see The Hobbit.
This evening we've been relaxing in front of the TV, being entertained by the latest Alice in Wonderland.
Tomorrow I will see my friend S for lunch and everyone else will go for a day trip to Oslo. Perfect.
