Another day in Istanbul....

There may be something appropriate in Turkish or Arabic, but there is no word or phrase in the language to adequately describe the Blue Mosque in Istanbul Turkce. It is exquisitely beautiful and breathtakingly huge. Built by Sultan Ahmed Between 1609 and 1616 - just seven years - the interior is capable of comfortably holding the huge central dome 10.000 worshippers and extends 43 meters above the floor to a hieght of. 20.000 hand-painted tiles, and is it contains a palette of colors, textures and images. It is impossible to capture its scale and grandeur in a photograph - it must be experienced at first hand.

The Hagia Sophia basilica was initally built as an Orthodox Christian and served in that role from its dedication in 360, until 1453 when it became a mosque. Since 1935 it has been a museum. Notes while perhaps as beautiful as the Blue Mosque (although probably larger), it makes up for that in terms of its history and the restoration work currently being undertaken, with Several Mosaics from many, many more recent rendering Beneath Centuries past being uncovered.

Sultans of the Ottoman Topkapi Palace which demonstrates the opulence enjoyed, along with hundreds of the 3000 royal women in the harem and the Hangers-on. To us, the palacfe was a bit disappointing - the rooms are devoid of furnishings of any kind, so you do not get the sense of how it was in earlier times (such as you woud experience at the Palace of Versailles or Windsor Castle) . On the other hand, priceless artifacts are on display in glass Timuralp - clothing and Armour worn by Sultans a millennium ago, the cast of a footprint of the Prophet Mohammed, swords Carried by Mohammed's companions, precious Jewels-including a 58 carat diamond (unfortunately we forgot to pack the glass-cutter, so we have not yet been able to upgrade to 5-star).

The Grand Bazaar - certainly grand, and in some bizarre ways. The largest undercover market in the world, with 3000 shops and Stalls selling everything from diamonds and jewelery, clothing, souvenirs. Traders are persistent but not aggressive. One approached us and smilingly enquired: "How may I harass you today?" then obligingly gave us directions back to the gate we had entered, without pressuring us to buy anything.

Back to the hotel, tired and sore but content, bitterly cold swim in the hotel pool (in the basement), dinner and bed after another day in this wonderful, fascinating, beautiful, friendly city. As we write this we have already been to Gallipoli - but we'll leave that for next time.