Today we had another private tour for 8 of us with our guide, Leyla. We were met on time and headed off to the sites of Istanbul. Firstly we headed to the 17th century Blue Mosque which is renowned for its domes and minarets and the 20,000 delicate blue iznik tiles in 33 shades that adorn the interior. The girls had to cover their head and some had to wear a sarong as well. The rules seemed to be a bit hit and miss and also no shoes were allowed. It was free to enter but the shoe ritual caused a huge queue that was getting longer and longer. This was a good plan because as the time ticked on so did the crowds and the heat. Inside the Mosque there was a substantial amount of scaffolding which detracted from the overall beauty and magnitude of the building.
Next we went to Hagia Sofia which is only a short walk away. This magnificent model of Byzantine architecture boasts a huge dome and an interior adorned with marble and pillars from Ephesus.
After this we headed on foot for the Underground Cistern. Built during the reign of Justinian I, the cistern is also known as the Underground Palace. The ceiling is supported by 336 Corinthian columns that are not all the same. Our guide remembered being taken there by her father when she was a little girl and peering in to a vault filled with water. Operas are often held in the cistern and is supposed to be and amazing experience. The water that is still in it is kept clean by a huge family of carp.
Next stop was The Grand Bazaar which was also our lunch stop. I forfeited my lunch break in lieu of shopping as we didn't really have much time but it was not that productive as a bit like Paddy's Market on steroids and not that cheap really. I think lunch might have been a better option!
Our last stop for the day was Topkapi Palace. Once the treasured filled residence of the Ottoman sultans for nearly 400 years. We had quite a bit of time to explore this huge complex that also houses the 3rd biggest (from memory) diamond in the world. We spent considerable time in the Harem which was extremely interesting hearing stories about the girls and the protocols that had to be followed.
After a long day we were delivered back to our floating palace for our next journey. A very good day had by all.
This was a celebration for the re painting of the rainbow stairs which had been painted over by the local authorities.
Sharon and David, two of our table buddies who were celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary.
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