Istanbul

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Caught a local bus into the Grand Bazaar, built in 1453 after the Ottaman conquest of the city. Wandered through the thousands of small shops, and avoided all the owners wanting to take your money. Next a visit to the Basilica Cistern, built underground by the Romans in 352AD to supply extra water to the palace. 336 columns 8m high support the cistern.

Then into the Sophia Hagia, the massive church built in 537AD by Emperor Justinian. Some impressive mosaics from 11th century, before the church was converted to a mosque in 1453. After the fall of the Ottomans with the new republic it has become a museum.

A walk through the spice markets, built in 16th century, then across the Galata Bridge back to our hotel.

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