Mosques, Monuments and Meze

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Istanbul is a most interesting city. Within a few blocks there are magnificent towering mosques all perched on the edge of the water. Yesterday we visited the Tokapi Palace and roamed through the rooms of the Harem. Here the Sultan kept up to 300 concubines. I could hear the men in the crowd discussing the possibilities! The grounds and buildings are beautiful and especially so at this time of year with garden beds full of brightly coloured tulips. We've all jostled through the Spice market, oh to have fun buying some of the wares; visited the underground Cistern and my high school classes came back to my at the Hagia Sophia.

We have discovered some interesting areas on the Beyogli side of the city. Great lanes of bars, crowded with people sitting watching the world go by. Loads of atmosphere.

Today we head out with new friends for a cruise on the Bosphorus!

Weather mid teens and dry. Day to day expenses very reasonable. Great metro system although we tend to walk most everywhere.

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Comments

[Sharne]

Hi
Thanks Hil and Roger for keeping me up-to-date with Istanbal. Will keep notes on what is good to visit Take care Sharne

[Sue woods]

I'm right there with you. Loving this blog the photos are amazing Sue xx

[Louise]

Turkey
Not even a week in and you have done so much. Love the look of the spice markets. Having lunch with Jane and Sean today. Love to you both.

[Heath]

WOW
This takes me back -we need to revisit! so many great memories

[Greg & Pat]

Dirty camera lens?
What's going on with the photo of the mosque tops? looks like your camera lens is dirty. Nice touch putting the flag on the heading - might try and do that with ours.

[Diana]

love the Topkapi ans the Cistern. Have a baklava and apple tea for me

[Sharon]

I love your photos. Looks fantastic.

[regoconnor]

Great blog guys - I am travelling virtually with you!