Istanbul

We went to Istanbul on a 24 hour lay over to Rome. Long story. Basically Turkish Airlines is cheap if you have a one night layover. After a 12 hour overnight flight complete with Turkush Delight, two full good meals, hours of movies, and cramped economy seating, we landed in Istanbul. The only thing I knew about Istanbul before coming was that it was once Constantinople, and that that's where Condorman met the Russian spy who defected. 

We got off the plane at 4pm. Dropped our bags off, and got a cab. We thought we were going to the grand Bazzaar. When we got there we were disappointed until we realized the cab dropped us off at the Blue Mosque. We took a tour from a tired emphysematic Turk who loved to point out the six  towers. This is the third largest mosque in the world. It was built over 6 years in 1610 by 6,000 slaves.  

But first an obelisk 

Blue Mosque enterance. 

Women can't go inside without their hair and knees covered. I didn't ask about hairy knees, and bald women. 

Inside

This is the Haggia Sophia. We saw that the next day  

We took a cab over to a dinner cruise with belly dancing. 

The dancer asked Brian, of all people, to dance with him. 

Funny as heck. 

We got back to hotel at 1 am. We got up next am at 8 and left for grand bazzaar. Bridget bought soap, and Turkish delight, we were very tempted to share our new soap with many many many locals, but we did not want to share our delight. 

Outside Bazaar looking back. 

We headed to the Cistern. This was also very cool. 

Medusa head upside down. My guess: they got it in place. Realized their mistake, then hoped the foreman wouldn't notice. 

Selfie in the cistern. 

After cisterns, we went to Haggia Sophia. Basically an old Christian church made into mosque made into a museum. 

They had sherbet!

Rameumptum!

Dates back to 1000 I believe. 

Coca cola