An eight hour walking tour wandering around the sites of Istanbul was a cool introduction to my first  experience of Turkey.  My hotel is in the prime location of Sultanahmet which is really close to many of the attractions. On a beautiful day the sight of the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia were particularly imposing.  Everything is very much in walking distance, and I was happy to wander to experience this new city and find my way around.

Next I made a trip to the Grand Bazaar, and sorry to spoil the image but it is not so Grand.

Seeing Abercrombie and Hollister knock off’s is not my idea of an authentic Turkish experience.

The trip down the the waterfront of Bosphorus was however stunning.  A ten lira boat trip gave some great views in and around Istanbul, and re-established the excellent impression of the place.   From the old men fishing on the bridge, the boat filled waterways and joined by the acoustic accompaniment of the Adhan; the Muslim call to prayer.   The thing I like most about Istanbul is it is different from any of the places I have visited before.  It is great to experience such a diverse array of destinations, and that is when travelling is the most enjoyable.

Turkish dinner tonight was exquisite – a lamb kebab meal at a Turkish restaurant went down a treat, and I hope to be heading back to that restaurant before I leave on Wednesday !!