Well it's not quite the same sight-seeing without my girls and Mike, but I've made the most of it and I notice I'm much more observant of others without my family by my side. Here are a few pics from one day I set out early and visited a few stops:
- Basilica Cistern: Built in 532 during the Bysantine period. It was used to store water for the Great Palace and surrounding buildings. Note the photo of Medusa's head engraved on two different columns.
- The Blue Mosque: Built in 1603-17, is absolutely stunning with one of the largest prayer spaces of any mosque and is well known for the blue tile designs. It easily rivals the Aya Sofia as being quite a spriritual sanctuary.
- Lunch by the Galata Bridge for 6 TL ($3)- a grilled fish sandwich. Notice the men on the boat grilling in the backdrop.
- I also walked along the infamous Galata Bridge, where several men fish at all hours of the day. Below the bridge are several fish restaurants to choose from.