Istanbul Turkey

Istanbul, a city on two continents; Europe and Asia. When approaching the city you can’t mistake it for another. The unforgettable domes and minarets of more than 135 mosques rise through the landscape along the Bosporus Strait. Twelve major civilizations have ruled, and their legacy is imprinted upon the city.

The most famous mosque is the Mosque of Sultan Ahmet (the Blue Mosque). It gets its name from the 21,403 azure colored tiles on the walls creating the illusion that the air is blue. The 16 balconies on its six minarets honor the 16 sultans of the empire.

Right next door is the Hippodrome, inspired by Rome’s Circus Maximus, and was the most important place in the city. Beneath the whole thing is the Roman-era Aqueduct of Valens, also known as the Basilica Cistern. Nearby is the Ibrahim Pasa Palace.

A short walk away is the Suliemaniye Mosque and the Great Mausoleum of Sulieman. Last but not least is the Topkapi Palace which served as home to the sultans and the royal court until the mid-19th century.

And of course no visit to Istanbul can be called complete without a trip to the Grand Bazaar and the Spice Bazaar.

The weather was cool, remaining around 58 degrees with a brisk wind, and early afternoon there was a quick rain shower. Another delightful lunch was had at a local restaurant down one of the small alleyways where a lot of the local workers frequent.

We are off on our way up the Bosporus Strait toward the Black Sea and tomorrow we will visit Varna Bulgaria.

Cheers!