Before returning to the ship, we thought we would have some lunch - calamari. Well, who should be sitting next to Peter but Bob Simpson - Doug's friend. We have since seen him a couple of times on the ship.( someone please tell Doug!)
The next day we were in for a treat - Istanbul.
We took a guided tour that visited the Blue Mosque, the Grand Bazaar, Topkapi Palace and Haram and St Sofia plus we were shown a demonstration of hand making the carpets - mind blowing the dexterity and skilfulness of these people.
Such history and so much to take in - from the 22,000 Izmire blue tiles ( in 33 shades of blue), at the mosque, to the two gold candlesticks ( weigh 48kg each) and the sheer size of some of the diamonds and emeralds - you could only imagine the opulence from previous eras - particularly the Otterman.
Irene was also intrigued by the number of dogs out the front of the blue mosque on the lawn - it turns out they are street dogs but are vaccinated, desexed,tagged and looked after and fed by the guards - don't think the same goes for the cats that can be seen everywhere.
Our guide had said that it would get very busy as it was a Saturday and most likely there would be around 3 million people around the Grand Bazaar area by the afternoon- we think he was right - so many people - too many. We found the Bazaar confronting so did not stay for a long time.
What also contributed to the crowd and traffic was the Korean prime minister and president of Turkey were making an appearance at St Sofia - security everywhere, such tall bodyguards - just made the afternoon a little more interesting.
It was a long day but one very worthwhile and a day not easily described.
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