Great hostel. People from all over the world (not just Aus), mix of solo travellers and small groups all loving Istanbul. Bartender called Volcano tells many a tall story about his success with the ladies. He has a pink waterbed so they're probably true. Historical Stuff Five or six world beating sites within walking distance of hostel. Aya Sofia is a museum nee mosque nee 6th century Byzantine cathedral with grand domes, minarets and stunning 11th century mosaics. Blue Mosque is breathtaking. 17th century, six minarets, countless domes, tiled in blue. Inside is other worldly with an aura that surpasses the grandest cathedrals. The beauty and aura lie in simplicity. Cathedrals are stuffed full of paintings, statues and icons, drawing attention to saints, marytrs and biblical stories. Mosques are uniform, containing nothing but tiles and equisite
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