Tourists in Istanbul

    I was carrying two pairs of shoes and sunglasses when trying to take this picture, sorry all. We’re doing all the regular tourist activities even though it is HOT.  I knew it would be hot but since we are use to Tucson hot I figured it wouldn’t be a big deal.  Hate to admit it but we took the afternoon off from sight seeing so we could cool off in the hotel.  We did a practice run this morning to find the ferry which will take us to a smaller bus station on the Asian side of Istanbul so we can get to Eskisheir on Thursday.  From this station it is only 5 hours not 6.  I didn’t quite get the fact that Istanbul is separated by the Bosphorus into the Asian side and the European side.  I’m sure I learned it at one time but it took a few maps and walks to figure out.  There are a lot of different ferries that cross sides all the time.  You have to be really careful you get on the right one.  We’re in the Sultanahmet area in the European side of Istanbul.  This area has the Grand  Bazaar, spice market, Blue Mosque, Topkapi and most of the other well known attractions.  It’s actually pretty easy to get around and not too far between sights.

The history here is amazing, over 2000 years of construction and stories about its origins. Tomorrow we plan to take a ferry for an hour and half ride down the Bosphorus to view smaller villages.  We could have taken a $60.00 euro(each) tour but once you figure out where you are and the ferry system you can avoid all the high priced tours.  The ferries are really reasonable as are the sights.  You have to be careful to stay off the main street if you don’t want to overpay for food.  There is food just as good on the side streets.  We’ll talk more about costs as we figure out everything but I don’t think Turkey is in the bargain category any more.