ISTANBUL

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Entered the Dardanelles around 11.30 last night and then into the Sea of Marmara early this morning and after daylight (we were up to see sunrise over the Sea of Marmara) into the Straits of Bosphorus - our Turkish pilot boarded around 7.30 and guided us into the port, bit of ducking and diving as its a very busy area with loads of ferries going in all directions from one side of Turkey to the other. Having being to Istanbul (5 days in 2009) before, we decided to just walk and soak up the atmosphere of this city, we love Istanbul, its quite mystical and a shopping mecca. Walked 12kms today around town, went to the Galatas Tower which we had not been to before and had a great view over the city and the Bosphorus. Then to the Spice Bazaar to buy up on BBQ spices etc and then to the Grand Bazaar to buy some leather bags, wallet and leather jacket. Very good quality and good prices - could have bought a Birkin Bag for $450 but decided to buy two others for the price of that. Also bought some ceramic bowls - very pretty designs. The dock area is only about a 30 minute walk to Grand Bazaar. Such a gorgeous view coming in this morning from the water - it really is the city of Mosques, and beautiful ones too!!! covering the skyline - sailed in past the Hagia Sofia the church, Topkapi Palace and the Blue Mosque. The Turkish people are so helpful and friendly - but always out for the BIG sale! Wasn't John's day today for shopping - he was just my pack horse - had bags hanging off his backpack but didn't complain.

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Photos

ISTANBUL
View over old town

SPICE BAZAAR
Mouth watering spices!

GRAND BAZAAR
Shoppers paradise

ISTANBUL
old town

ISTANBUL
One of our favourite cities

Comments

[Rhonda Brand]

Lucky you are not coming home on a plane!!!!!
Hi guys......love following your travels......you seemed to be moving so quickly and seeing so much. Lucky you are driving back from Sydney.....but you might need a truck for all your goodies Glor. Miss you but look forward to your travel blogs....they make my day :)

[anne]

retail therapy
go glor - great shopping and I love hearing about it giving that visa a workout and I like the idea of johnny carrying the bags!!!! just news Julia outed and kevin is the new prime minister - lets see if she resigns. doug had bigger cut on his back today, deeper and wider (as surgeon commented he has a big hole now) have to wait until 10 July for results. luv anne& doug xxxx