Monday, September 22 –

Woke up with the 5:45 call to prayer.  Decided it was time to try and morning jog. As this hotel seems to be at the highest point in the city, that meant hills and stairs–plenty of them. 

Then, I met up with Dan for a sunrise walk along the waterfront. Beautiful sunrise, nice time for a walk.

Hit the hotel breakfast (great food selection coffee, nothing to write home about), then off to our morning sightseeing target,  the Basilica Cistern.

The cistern is more than 1,500 years old and was the largest in the city’s water supply system, holding 20 million gallons of water in its day. It was built upon the site of an earlier basilica, hence the name. It is cavernous, with a series of pillars 30 feet high. It doesn’t take a long time to tour, but it is still interesting to visit–a public works project built by an enslaved populace.

After the visit,  we had plenty of time to wander. We found the remains of the Hippodrome and the monuments that adorned the center of the chariot racecourse.  We then found ourselves in the sea of humanity that is the Grand Bazaar. People everywhere,  winding lanes and alleys and the ability to purchase just about anything.  It was equal parts chaos and fun.

We decided we had time for a traditional tea break. We found a cafe, got two cups, and watched the world go by for a bit. A perfect finish to our morning activities.

Early afternoon brought our tour group orientation meeting.  Tour guide (Taylan) gave us an overview, and everyone briefly introduced themselves.  Seems like a convivial bunch.

The sightseeing started right after that with a tour of the Topkapi Palace, which dates back to the 14th century and the rule of the Ottomans. It was the main residence of the Sultan and provides illustration of his daily life.

It is huge, sometimes overwhelming,  and a couple of the rooms required the skills of a Ninja to survive (IMO). Tourists in search of a photo can be hazardous ones health–and definitely my blood pressure.  However,  I prevailed, and I hope readers appreciate those hard fought snaps!

Next stop, the Hagia (“eye-ah”).Sophia.  Called the greatest house of worship in Christian and Muslim worlds. Built in the 6th century as a Byzantine Church,  the Ottomans converted it to a mosque for 500 years before it became a secular museum in 1934. During this century,  once again, a mosque,  but the public is allowed on the second floor. It is a massive testament to Byzantine architecture and engineering. FYI, I was required to wear a headscarf.  In case anyone is wondering,  it wasn’t a good look.

After Hagia Sophia was our first group dinner where we got to know our tourmates but better at a seafood restaurant under the  Galata Bridge.  Lots of fresh starters, then a dramatic entree and a simple dessert.  Some wine and beer, a lot of interesting people, and, thus, a fine evening.  We strolled back to our hotel happy and full, ready for another full day tomorrow.

33,489 steps

18.7 miles