Merhaba from Istanbul!

We entered the south end of the Bosphurus, the channel separating the two continents and also connecting the Black Sea and the Sea of Marmara, then turned into the Golden Horn (a horn-shaped inlet), and finally docked at the port of Karakoy.





Our first stop in Istanbul was the Grand Baazar, the world's first shopping mall with over 4,000 shops. The shopkeepers were friendly and less aggressive than expected. Because it was Saturday just before closing ( the Bazaar is not open on Sundays), they were relaxed and having fun. Their conversation starters ranged from, "You're from America? I LIVED in America!" to "I think I'm in love." (Addressed, of course, to the girls.). The shopkeeper in the photo offered to marry Clare - or was it Isabelle? - while his friend married the other in exchange for the two pillow covers we had just purchased. It didn't seem very fair, so we passed. (Notice his friends reacting in the background.)




















We paused to drink hot apple tea, designed to sustain and energize shoppers. It was delicious. And we did continue to shop till we realized we had no idea where we were. We'd arranged to meet our cab driver where he'd left us off, but where was that? Fortunately, I'd taken a picture of the gate we'd entered (see above), soon identified as Gate #9, "the leather gate" by the many vendors and a policeman who tried to help us. ((note to travelers: when you're lost, your camera is better than a map.)
















Early morning, and we're the only ones in the courtyard of The Blue Mosque. (We thought it opened at 8 a.m.). It was the only time we were alone the rest of the day. (Note our new scarves purchased the day before.)






One of the thousands of Istanbul's cats greets us as we enter the Mosque.
















The dome of The Blue Mosque, named for the blue tiles that adorn the inside walls.






















Where the women gather to worship.























Putting our shoes on after removing them for our visit to the mosque. (Don't worry, parents, socks were worn, and as you can see, shoulders and knees were covered.)





The beautiful Blue Mosque as seen on our way to Hagia Sophia.






























The interior of Hagia Sophia can hold Paris' Notre Dame Cathedral. Though filled with a thousand or more visitors, it seemed spacious and peaceful. The white circles are chandeliers, a modern addition. Originally a Byzantine church, it became a mosque during the Ottoman rule. The exquisite frescos were white washed which, ironically, preserved them. Now a museum, both the frescos and huge discs with the names of Allah in calligraphy, an Islamic decoration, reside together.






Isabelle is putting her thumb inside the Column of St. Gregory. Legend says that if you feel Gregory's "tears," your prayer will be answered. If you don't feel dampness, then you need to turn your thumb 360 degrees, a difficult feat! (We all felt his tears, thankfully.)





















The Basilica Cistern, a massive underground reservoir built by the Romans.





The Topkapi Palace where sultans reigned with their harems. Famous treasures are the Topkaki dagger with its massive emeralds, the Spooner diamond with its 80 plus carets, and the holy relics - David's sword, Moses' staff, Abraham's pot and the beard of Mohammad (yes, really!)





















A refreshing breeze from the Bosphorus cooled us just as it did the Ottoman royal families until their long rule ended in 1923.




















The Spice Market with the aroma of curry, cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, tea and every herb and spice known since traders from around the ancient world first met here.















We walked back to the ship across the bridge over the Golden Horn, enjoying the breeze, fishermen, and families out for a Sunday stroll. This was our second and probably last visit to Istanbul, but Clare and Isabelle are promising to return someday.

Location:Istanbul