Wow. It’s been a busy few days! We’ve been checking out the sights and sounds of Istanbul. We hired a guide for a day (thank you Neena) who took us to all the major attractions...

First up, the Blue Mosque. My nun-like black icebreaker outfit was deemed inappropriate by the reviewers at the entrance -- skirt too short. I received a fabulous blue cotton sheet to wear over top of my skirt so that my knees were covered. Heavens!

Next, the Underground Cistern. So beautiful! And there’s an interesting story on how it was lost for 500 years – I guess people just forgot about it. Ask Mr.Google for the details– he knows everything!

We then headed to a ceramic studio, where we were treated to a demonstration. One of the artists used a kick wheel to produce a vase – it took him less than 5 minutes. Apparently at this studio they use 85% quartz in their clay, making it very heavy, durable and food safe. It also is the studio that makes replica tiles for the Aya Sofia (and of course, sells them as well). They had this cool moonstone glaze that makes some pieces glow in the dark. So neat!!

Aya Sofia was up next, what an amazing place! A church that got converted to a mosque that got converted to a museum. Very cool.

Toured the hippodrome – then went to learn all about Turkish carpets. It’s amazing how long it can take to make one, so it’s no wonder a good one costs a few bucks. One of the 8 X 10 carpets took 4 women 18 months to make. Now, I know you’re going to ask how much it cost, but I’m afraid I don’t remember. The salesman had a funny saying ‘it will cost less than you think but more than you hope’.

Topkapi Palace was also on the tour, but we were fading. After Topkapi most of the gang bailed in favour of a beverage, but Neena, Mark and I continued to the last stop which was the Spice Bazaar. We were led to a shop where a guy with a Boston accent (!) let us try many types of Turkish Delight, dried organic fruits, spices (sumac was a favorite) and nuts. He also sold tea, rose oil (for beautiful skin), caviar, and saffron. A lot of stuff for a shop the size of our bedroom at home!

Finally joined the gang for drinks on the sunny rooftop patio of a classy seafood restaurant.  On the fresh fish trolley they had an enormous lobster that apparently cost $400! Also of interest was the old prison right across the road, which is now a Four Seasons hotel. Really!

On Monday we split up and headed out to roam the town before our afternoon flight to Bodrum.  We came across a few interesting sights, including a bathing suit approved by the head Imam...

and the pedestrian-only street with a statue dedicated to the porters who move the goods on their back...

Time marches on and we are now Bodrum where we pick up our yacht tomorrow. The weather is hot and sunny, but not too hot, and we are very much looking forward to the next leg of the journey!