Day Two, Istanbul

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Richard wanted to mention that this morning we watched "Al Jazzera" on satellite TV. No, it wasn't in English so we didn't get much/anything said. Speaking of language, Richard is really finding his inner Turkish self. He's picking up the language with certainly greater ease than me. I'm still struggling with "Thank you" (pronounced: "Tea sugar a dream").

Yesterday we explored the city (Sutlanahmet region). Walking, walking, and yes, more walking. The people are very friendly and extremely helpful. We wandered into the Grand Bazaar, a place with over 4,000 shops! We had read how the shopkeepers would be very polite, but insistent about selling their wares however it didn't happen. It was very over whelming so, believe it or not, we didn't buy a thing. We had lunch at a rooftop restaurant with a wonderful panoramic view of the city. The food is delicious and healthy. We have seen wonderful displays of Turkish Delight and plan on tasting it soon.

We wandered outside the Topkapi Palace and saw the Constanine Cistern, the Serpentine Column, and the Egyptian Obelisk.

Today we'll go inside the Blue Mosque and whatever else we find and have time for.

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Photos

Hotel Palmphylia, Istanbul
Our hotel in Istanbul.

Egyptian Obelisk
Judith in front of ancient obelisk

Lokum (Turkish Delight)
Couldn't resist adding this pic!

Comments

[Nancy]

Hooray!
I am so glad to hear from you. It looks like the weather is good and you are having a great time. I am so happy for you. It has been very rainy and gloomy here. Of course we need the rain, but it has been kind of cold and depressing. Keep up your great travel log.

[Celia]

Yum
The Turkish Delight looks yummy. Thanks for the pics! Celia

[kaye]

I don't know if this is working but I assume it is. It just amazes me to write you in Turkey on my pc. I know you and Richard are having a great time. Buy a piece of jewelery for yourself because I know you love it. love kaye

[kaye]

I don't know if this is working but I assume it is. It just amazes me to write you in Turkey on my pc. I know you and Richard are having a great time. Buy a piece of jewelery for yourself because I know you love it. love kaye

[Doglover]

It is working! Kaye, you know me all too well (jewelry). Yes, I've purchased inexpensive pieces along the way. Just couldn't resist. Keep checking my blog. I hope to have more soon.

[Doglover]

The weather has been grand. I'm glad there has been rain at home but sorry it has been gloomy there. (You just are missing me of course). We're a little gloomy here know our adventure will be ending soon. I hope to upload more pieces once Travel Blog cooperates. Judith

[Doglover]

Sorry didn't respond sooner, especially since we're home now. I did do a little low key shopping and it was fun. Mainly we scrambled either through the ruins or crowds at the local bazaars.

[Doglover]

We brought home some Turkish Delight that Richard personally picked out to share with our friends. I'll try to prepare a Turkish meal too.