Istanbul, Turkey

We sailed thru the Dardanelles, passing Gallipoli with a running commentary from the ships tour guide re the ANZACS.  It didn’t look anything like the pictures we had seen.  We later discovered that we went past Anzac Cove around 5.30 in the morning but we weren’t told that would be the time, much to the Australians disgust.  We got the commentary as we went past the town of Gallipoli.  Anyway at least we have been near the place.

A few hours later we sailed into Marmara Sea and Istanbul, it looked huge from the ship and it straddles two continents Europe and Asia.  Europe has the old city and Asia the new and is connected by three bridges over the Bosporus.  Istanbul can be traced back to the 10^th century.  Turkey is 98% Muslim and this is reflected in the number of mosques around the city and has around 15million people.

We arrived at 4pm and quickly left the ship to explore.  Our first stop was the Grand Bazaar (where the bus dropped us) which was closed as it was Sunday.  From there we found our way to the Blue Mosque.  This is a very impressive Mosque with 6 minarets and gets its name from the blue tile decorations inside.  It was prayer time so we were hustled thru but still saw all the tiling to the domes and the magnificent painting in the domes.  /From here we wandered down the street and passed all these little boys aged about 4 all dressed up in white with gold capes and lots of finery.  We asked if it was a special occasion and were told yes it was a very special day and they were off to the Blue Mosque to be circumcised.  The poor little mites looked and behaved as if they were going to a party – didn’t see any of them afterwards but I bet they weren’t happy!

By this time all the Palaces etc were closed so we stopped for an authentic Turkish dinner then wandered down the hill past lots of shops.  We were planning on getting a cab as it was at least 5kms (I reckon at least 10km) to the ship but we just kept walking until it was too late to get cab.  Somehow managed to crawl back onto the ship, had a shower and passed out.

Set the alarm for 6.15 so we could be at the Grand Bazaar by opening time at 0830. The Bazaar is one of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world, encompassing 58 streets.

What can you say about the Bazaar except wow, wow, wow, shoppers paradise.  Well it would have been if I left Alan at home.  He is such a spoilsport – every time I wanted something he’d say ‘how are you going to get that home’ ‘its too heavy you will be over your weight allowance’ ‘you will never use it’ ‘Astrid doesn’t need it’ ‘you can’t buy it if you don’t know their size’.  From now on when there is shopping to do I’m taking Jen Jen – she just helps me carry things.  Besides Alan it was fascinating, the leather jackets were divine, the leather handbags incredible (but expensive), the artifacts were beautiful and could have spent all day wandering up and down the alleys and getting totally lost.  But we had other things to see so ventured out after only 2 hours to the Basilica Cistern.

The Cistern was built between 527-565. It length is 140m, width is 70m. You go down 55 stone stairs and there are 336 columns whose height is 9m. It’s all arched between the columns and was made waterproof by covering the floor and walls thickly with Khorasan mortar.  It has the capacity of 100,000 tonnes of water storage.  An absolutely incredible structure. The cracks have been fixed and it now has about ½ metre water in it with fish swimming around in the dark.  Hard to believe that such a massive structure is under so many highrise buildings.

From here we went to Topkapi Palace.  This is were the Sultans lived for 400 or so years.  It’s been turned into a museum with some incredible exhibits.  There is one 89 carat diamond with 46 large diamonds around it.  Liz Taylor eat your heart out! There were swords with emeralds the size of eggs in them.  A timber gold cradle covered with rubies and emeralds and on and on it went.  Cannot imagine how much this collection is worth, but that’s likely why there are many police armed with automatic weapons.  The exhibits are very well done with good lighting and the armory had so many pristine exhibits of Sultans’ ceremonial swords etc.  By the time we got to the library, a beautiful stand alone domed building with massive big day lounges, I was ready to sit and never move.  But move I did past the baths, the harem, ballrooms etc. We spent many hours in the Palace and probably only saw half of it.

Once again a combination of heat and very sore feet saw us find a café for a late lunch, where we shared a doner kebab.  Once revived we trundled off down the hill only this time I was determined to get a cab back to the ship.  Found another couple of stores to spend a few $s in and finally got the cab back to the ship in time for happy hour and sailing time.

Now revived by the drink and a shower and have to get dressed for formal night.  Can barely walk so will be interesting having to wear heels tonight.

It’s interesting how you either connect or don’t connect with different cities.  We would never bother with Athens again but both instantly loved Istanbul and would definitely come back as we barely scratched the surface of all this city has to offer.

Trivia: forgot to put in Athens yesterday that the streets are lined with orange and mulberry trees and you can pick the fruit if and when you want.  It really makes the dullest street very pretty with the trees laden with oranges.