Hagia Sophia (was a Christian Church, then an Islamic Mosque, now a museum as a compromise)

Istanbul on the Marmara Sea

Me and Dr. Jim hangin

Hagia Sophia

Always time for a tea

Blue Mosque

Keeping us safe

Blue Mosque

Another killer lunch, this one was donner kabobs

Badass looking gyro meat laced with peppers

Dr. C and I rocking out our required respectful gear to go into Blue Mosque

Pistachio laced pastries galore.

Entrance to Grand Bazaar

A full day of touring and walking and taking in the culture.  We started at the Hagia Sophia which is an incredible example, one of millions, of people fighting over the same turf, this time Muslims and Christians.  The place was eventually converted into a museum by the state to keep peace.  Then after several stops for tea and pastries we visited the Blue Mosque which is alive an active and full of people in prayer.  It was very civil and very respectful, other than I had to wear a blue skirt to get in.  

The afternoon landed us in the Grand Bazaar which is like the Strip District in Pittsburgh, times 4,000 stores and so much bargaining and haggling that I could not see straight.  I think I bought a few gifts, but I cannot really remember.  I did have another tea.

Istanbul is huge and cultured and clean and sophisticated and polite and a wonderful place.  As normal I explore most of the culture by eating....I go to visit the churches because they are cool enough and are, of course always on the tour.  Another huge dinner tonight of meats and breads and I am wonderfully tired.  A perfect day, almost.