Sunday, September 21 –

A very full day in Istanbul! We started out with breakfast overlooking the city from the hotel’s rooftop restaurant.

Dan and I then decided to check out the hotel spa/fitness facilities. Humidity was akin to the Amazon rainforest, but got in a good workout before meeting our group for the food tour mid-morning. Be prepared for too many food pictures!

Great group of folks, all of whom are on our full tour, which starts tomorrow, so great opportunity to meet a few folks (and learn their names) ahead of time. Our guide was a lovely young woman who looked about 16 but was actually around Erin’s age. Smart, engaging, and tough when negotiating the streets and restaurants–a delightful young woman.

She took us on various forms of public transit (subway, small bus, ferry, and tram) through neighborhood in the Asia side of the city (our first time to the Asian continent). She filled us in on the history and current political atmosphere in Turkiye, as well as introducing us to a plethora of Turkish food items. After 6 hours, we had learned and eaten a lot!

After a brief respite, Dan and I struck out on a walk around the historical sights, through Sultanahmet Park, past the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque and Topkapi Palace, all of which we will visit on our tour. We finished with a sunset stroll along the waterfront.

When we got back to the hotel, we decided to go up to the restaurant for something light to eat. We ran into a couple of fellow tourmates and sat with them as we shared a salad, had a glass of wine, and got to know them a little bit better. It was a lovely end to a full but excellent day. THIS is one travels!

Tomorrow, the tour begins

20,071 steps
9.3 miles