Day 27 – Istanbul

Today we had a rich day of exploring the old city. Our guide Onur did a great job of story telling as we walked the streets and saw the sites. Visits to the Blue Mosque – Hagia Sophia – and Topkapi Palace captivated our attention. The second level of the Hagia Sophia was a highlight. Ancient depictions of faith, empires, architecture, and people around every corner. Our minds can barely understand the twists and turns of human history.

We also took in the Grand Bazaar – the largest covered market in the world – a Carpet Tour – and an evening Sunset Boat Tour on the Bosphorus Strait. Most of Istanbul is on the European continent but the boat tour got us to the Asian continent side as well. The kids touching four continents on this trip.

And we capped the evening off by walking the beautiful streets of the city.

Our spice, tea, and candy store may have gotten some of our best attention. Hey, if you haven’t tried Turkish tea or Turkish delight and eaten until you are full, have you really been to Istanbul?

A closing Turkish Proverb for this day:

People should be like trees, with strong roots and flexible branches – İnsanlar ağaç gibi olmalı, kökleri sağlam, dalları esnek.