There are noisy riots continuing today - I can hear chanting from the hotel even though it's not that close. All against the Pope's imminent visit to Turkey. However we are staying well away from it all, and tomorrow start work on PISA again.So for tonight, just a few snippets of first views of Istanbul.
Firstly, they love their baklava.. in all its forms.This stupendous baklava tree was in a shop window down the road from us..... mmmmmm...!
The next images are various views over and around Istanbul...
The last one in this set above is part of the 18km long walls built to protet the city.. about 2000 years old from what I can read, and still standing for the most part.
This is the Blue Mosque, one of the most famous in Istanbul. Unlike any other mosque outside of Mecca it has 6 minarets. It was built in the 16th century.
I'm not sure why this building below keeps catching my eye! There are some beautiful carvings around the windows, but despite it being on a main road and having the most magnificent views over all of Istanbul, it is a total wreck..
Other things in Istanbul have stood the test of time. This is the Aqueduct of Valens, constructed by the Emporer Valens in the 4th century.
We walked down to the Golden Horn area today, through the Spice market - also built in the 1600s and still going strong. The market smells heavenly - saffron and mint and hundreds of other smells all mingling in the warmth.
And then there was the "Turkish Viagra" on sale - hopefully different the the REAL viagra that was for sale from dozens of touts outside the spice market. God only knows what the use by date on that stuff was!!!
After the spice market we meandered our way through streets selling all sorts of kitchen equipment, linen, tools etc until we got to the famous Grand Bazaar. Some very serious shopping followed, along with a proposal and a cup of coffee with a Turkish George Clooney! At least that's what he said his name was!
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