“Why do you want to go there?” “Isn’t it dangerous?” “Be safe.” “Aren’t you afraid?” “Where is Turkey?” These, and similar comments, were typical responses when we said we were coming to Turkey. We expected it, for the media did a good job reporting the rash of bombings last year in Ankara and Istanbul. Everyone has heard of their prime minister becoming more and more autocratic. But you find everything isn’t mayhem and turmoil that the papers would lead you to believe. We found an extremely safe environment with many safeguards put in place. At the airport a security screening was installed BEFORE you check in for your flight, in addition to the regular screening prior to entering the gates. We found a city full of warm, kind, friendly people….people who would go out of their way to help you. Like the two women who made a point of helping Heidi navigate the payment instructions at the pay toilet under the Galata Bridge. Or the man who guided us to the English speaking attendant at the post office. People on the street coming up to us just to say hello (not counting the ones wanting to sell us carpets) The way we look at it, we probably have a much high probability of getting killed in an automobile accident on the way to Seattle than anything happening to us here in Turkey.

Istanbul is a MASSIVE city…over 20 million and spans two continents. Founded around 3000 BC and named Byzantium, renamed Constantinople in 306 AD after the Roman Emperor Constantine the Great. In 1453, after being conquered by the Ottoman Turks, the city received its current name, Istanbul…meaning “The City”.

Each day we were here we walked over 9 miles…taking in as much as possible. There is soooo much to see and do and such amazing food!!!!! One day we ate breakfast in Europe, lunch in Asia and back to Europe for dinner….now that is continent hopping for you!!!!

Istanbul Sights
Hagia Sophia – Without a doubt one of the most beautiful churches/mosques in the world. Now a museum, you feel so tiny when you stand under her massive dome. This is actually the third church built on this site…the first two were destroyed in separate riots. The current Hagia Sophia was built in 532, with no power tools, no cranes, and believe it or not, no steel. It’s an architectural marvel and a wonder to behold.

The building changes color depending on the time of day….here shown at sunset

The Blue Mosque
The Blue Mosque is opposite Hagia Sophia. This is a working mosque, but is open to tourists throughout the day except during the daily calls to prayer. Built in 1609, it isn’t as old as Hagia Sophia, but many will say it is even more beautiful. Entry is free of charge and you must be wearing respectful clothing to enter. Shawls and long skirts are provided for women and covering for the legs for any man arriving in shorts above the knee.

Basilica Cistern
Built around 527AD, this underground reservoir has walls around 6 meter thick and covered with a fine layer of mortar dust to create a water tight seal. Going underground is a bit creepy…dark with water dripping from the ceiling, but so cool to walk through something so old.

We were always on the go while here in Istanbul. Went to the Grand Bazaar…the oldest and largest covered market in the world. It covers over 54,000 square meters and holds over 4000 shops….a shopper’s paradise. The Spice Bazaar, not as old or as large as the Grand Bazaar but filled with every type of spice imaginable plus nuts, candies, cheeses, and goods of all kinds. We hiked up to the Galata Tower, crossed the Galata Bridge and watched the fishermen catch sardines, and took a morning cruise along the Bosphorus Strait. We spent one afternoon on the Asian side of Istanbul visiting a quaint little market and tree lined residential area, and enjoyed an evening Whirling Dervish show….and in between we ate Lamb Kebabs, Clay Pot Beef, Baklava, freshest humus in the world, rich and strong Turkish Coffee, Raki, the licorice flavoured national drink…delicious, delicious food.

It is a shame that tourism is down around 85%. One restaurant we visited said they used to have lines of people waiting in the street to eat. They employed 7 servers, all of them let go now because of the downturn in tourism. A crying shame for all the merchants, but for us it meant small lines, seats available in restaurants, no crowds.

We leave Istanbul now for Cappadocia. Can’t wait…Heidi gets her first balloon ride.