A very humid night with an early wake up ‘call to prayer’.
Things all seemed a bit calmer this morning. We walked quite quickly into a street full of restaurants all having their pavements thoroughly washed and brushed by the staff.
Managed to finally change some money then found a much better rate a few yards away! 🙄
So many mosques it’s bewildering. By the time we reached the main tourist area it was super busy. Managed to get into the Basilica Cistern without queueing for too long. Its a huge Byzantine underground water storage area with hundreds of pillars. It was made more interesting with the colourful lighting system and the addition of a few weird sculptures such as the brilliant jellyfish.
Back out in the heat of the day we were both melting. The queues for both Topkapi Palace and the Haghia Sofia Mosque looked as if they were hours long, but we managed to walk straight into the Blue Mosque. Well, after I’d donned some borrowed headgear and a skirt. Guy, however, shorts and t shirt- no problem 🙄
We think the whole place is still under construction as we were only allowed into the women’s prayer room. Got to say, it smelt really badly of feet!
After lunch we ventured into the Grand Bazaar – reputedly the worlds largest under cover market. Wow! What an assault on the senses. People and stuff everywhere. Everyone wants to be your best mate and show you their wares. We had our first Turkish coffee …that puts hairs on your chest! Then, Guy was persuaded by a barber to get his hair cut – all because he hesitated for a second outside. I got apple tea while I waited – seems to be what everyone is drinking.
Found another mosque once we surfaced onto the street. Guy went in but was told ‘no photos’ but they did let him take a couple.
We decided to walk back along the banks of the Bosphorus so we could avoid the street chaos but it was a big mistake as it was miles longer. There’s a much needed downpour now – complete with thunder and lightening. The football pitch at the side of us is still occupied though – think they’re enjoying the cool.
