Istanbul, Turkey - Aug 2

sailing into Istanbul

35 - not too humid at all

 IS - TAN - BUL!!!!!!!  I am THRILLED to be here.  It was fantastic to sail into the Bosphorus Straight this morning to see the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Galata Tower and Bridge and all of the Istanbul skyline.  Typically we sail into port first thing in the morning, so it’s easily possible to miss the sail in.  Plus most ports aren’t exactly beautiful – usually the ship docks in an industrial container port.  Today we were in at noon.  That meant a leisurely morning (good thing after the 2AM casino night yesterday) watching the Istanbul skyline come into focus.

Medusa head

sistern









After a room service lunch of Spaghetti Bolognese and a glass of wine (also delightful as we sail) we are off on a tour of some of the lesser known Istanbul landmarks as we have been to Istanbul before.  We have also found that these ‘not-so-popular’ tours are filled with people who come back to the bus on time, don’t take a million photos and are generally a pleasure to tour with – today is no exception.





mosque

stormy skies

Chora Church

Chora Church - a church that is no longer a place of worship, but a museum is where we first stop.  It was built in the 5^th century and was converted to a mosque in the 16^th century by the Ottomans.  Although it was converted into a mosque the Christian frescos were not destroyed, but covered with plaster and wood.  This seems like a very civilized way to ‘get-rid’ of another religion.  It is lucky because these frescos are stunning.  The frescos here were painted by the same artists that painted ones we saw on a previous trip to Turkey in Trabzon – one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever been.  These frescos are in much better shape.




spice market

Next we visit a mosque which isn’t all that impressive.  It is conveniently located next to our stop at the Spice Market, so that’s likely why we stopped.  The spice market is more than spices.  It’s basically a small souk – small stalls one next to the other selling spices here, but other things also.



Next is a visit to the cistern.  This is one thing Chris saw when he was here 20 years ago, but I’ve never seen.  It is deep underground with many columns.  Built in the 6th century this cistern was used as a water filtration system for the adjacent palace.

Unfortunately this is our last day of the ship.  It’s been a great 15 days.  As usual I’m happy to be heading home, but sad to be leaving a wonderful place where I’ve felt like a princess.  We have one day on our own in Istanbul tomorrow followed by 2 with our friends Heather and Bryan on Vancouver Island ahead of us.  I am terribly thankful that we have no early flights.  I heard someone say today that their wake-up call is at 2:30AM!  WOW.