Day One Part Two

This blog is a little scrambled due to internet issues, but if you follow the titles, you'll get the drift.

The Europe side of Istanbul is split by a waterway called the Golden Horn into Old Istanbul and New.  After Guzin and I went to Taksim (in northern, New Istanbul) we headed south on a tram.  We spent a lot of time in the Sultanahmet district, the locale of many famous buildings such as the one pictured here - Aya Sophia, "The Church of Divine Wisdom."  The original Sophia built in AD 360 by was destroyed, as was its replacement built in 415.  This building was commissioned in 537 by Emperor Justinian, and was the largest church in Christendom.  In 1453 it was converted to a mosque, and in 1934 it became a museum.  I am waiting to go inside this week end with Frank, but have enjoyed wandering the perimeter.  It is magnificent.

Yards away, across a courtyard, is the Blue Mosque, or Sultanahmet Camii, commissioned by Sultan Ahmet with the goal of surpassing the Aya Sophia in grandeur.  It was completed in 1616, and is still a practicing mosque.  Again, I will visit this coming week end and look for the blue tile work inside which have given it its name.

Guzin and I stopped for a refreshing glass of Ayran - a traditional drink made from diluted yogurt and salt.  

And later had a cup of tea - served with complimentary Turkish Delight.  These tea cups are everywhere here - served with black tea or apple tea.  No matter where you are, a tray of tea is nearby.

Guzin also showed me a bit of the Grand Bazaar.  The main aisle is marked with the red and yellow streamer.  Touted to be one of the oldest, biggest and most exciting shopping malls in the world, the Kapili Carsi has 66 streets and alleys, over four thousand shoppes, is completely enclosed, and is rather a maze.  Guzin taught me to look for entrance 1 - all the shops are numbered, so just keep going towards smaller numbers.  She and I ducked in and out.  Likely I will spend some time there, but it is really overwhelming, and everyone is bartering and the shoppekeepers try to lure you in to each of the little shops.

After the Grand Bazaar Guzin and I spent my favorite hour to date at the Nargile (nar-geel-eh) bar called Corlulu Ali Pasa.  We lounged with tea and apple tobacco in a nargile (hookah) pipe, just relaxing and watching people.  I will post about it separately.  She took me to this place visited by locals, off the beaten path, and it simply felt so...Turkish.  LOVED the experience.  More on that later.

All for now.  I need to find an unlimited Internet source.  The Marriott Istanbul Asia is wonderful, but not for blogging!

Ciao for now.  -g