Istanbul, Turkey

The last European city and what a contrast to the others!
We left the Bulgarian bush camp very early in order to get to the Turkish boarder. All the truck passengers got through but the truck took 6 hours to get cleared through so we had a lot of time sitting on the concrete in no mans land. We met some interesting people who came to chat- some rally drivers racing from Germany to Jordan and a bunch of people driving to Istanbul from London. It made the day a little easier but after a full day of travel we reached Istanbul and checked into the hostel late evening. Everyone thankful to have got here!

The following morning I was woken by the call to prayer. The hostel is located right in the city centre so it was easy to explore the city without the hassle of figuring out the public transport.

A small group of us got a guided tour around Aya Sofya. This mosque was so interesting as it was initially a church and later converted to a mosque. This meant that there is christian images around which was a little odd. very decorative and huge!

After Aya Sofya we walked across the square to the Blue Mosque which you are allowed to walk around if prayer is not taken place. It was beautifully decorated with flowery patterns, kind of like wallpaper in a stately home. It was very well organised with bags to carry shoes in and scarfs to cover up in.

We later visited the Basilica Cistern which was pretty good. The huge space was filled with 336 marble columns, two with Medusa heads at the base- que the tourist queues. We then walked down the promenade to the fish market where the others had a fish sandwich- smelt and looked rank. I had a chocolate bar and ice cream for lunch.

The Grand bazaar was disappointing (perhaps because I know if I bought something I would have to carry it). It was filled with traditional gifts but it was all much the same and similar to the streets out side. We only spent ten minutes in there but it was enough time to get completely disorientated so we spent ages trying to find our way back to the main road!

The end of the first day was completed with a kebab meal in a restaurant underneath the bridge so we had great views of the mosques across the water.

Day 2 has been a little more relaxed. I went to Topkapi palace, home of the sultans in the morning. It was very crowded with school groups and cruise shippers so I spent a long time waiting to see things. There was very impressive tiled rooms and jewellery with lots of gems. The afternoon was spent with a look around the very colourful spice market and a boat trip on the Bosforus. The boat was good as we did see lots of nice waterfront houses and mosques but there was no commentary so we didn't know what we where looking at!

This evening I think everyone is going to watch a light show on the Blue Mosque which should be good. Travel to the Black Sea tomorrow.

Photos: Me in the palace, Blue mosque with 6 minarets, inside Aya Sofya