On my own

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Geo: 41.0078, 28.813

I am slowly catching up on lost sleep after going to Gallipoli. Had a great sleep in this morning. In the afternoon I treated myself to a big lunch of grilled salmon and an iced coffee- was one of the greatest meals I have had for a while.

A few metres away was the Basilica Cistern. There are 28 columns and it was built in 532. There is water at the bottom and quite a few fish. The pathway was very slippery- especially for me because I was wearing thongs. Now and then water dripped on my head from the ceiling. It was literally a cool place to spend some time.

Walked over to the Blue Mosque to see the courtyard- as our useless guide didn't take us there. Saw the Obelisk of Theodosius- which came from Egypt to commemorate someone's victories.

Thought I should have more of a better look around the Grand Bazaar. After a few minutes it began very repetitive and annoying. Am glad I found my way out of there and didn't get lost like others did.

Today was the first day since the tour started on the 28th of March that I have been on my own- it had its positives and negatives.

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Photos

01 Reflection
Some of the many columns and the reflection on the water.

02 The ceiling
The ceiling of the cistern.

03 Garden
Well looked after gardens in front of the Aya Sofya.

04 Courtyard
The quiet courtyard of the Blue Mosque.

05 Taps
This is where Muslims wash before entering the Mosque to pray.

06 Through the doorway
View of the Mosque through a doorway

07 The Obelisk
The Obelisk with the Aya Sofya in the background

08 Fountain
A fountain near the Blue Mosque.

09 Grand Bazaar
Inside the huge market.

10 Grand Bazaar
Inside the market.