Because it has been so hot, I have no pictures for a couple of ports. We left the ship and walked around through typical urban Europe and returned to the ship dripping with sweat. Those were Piraeus, the port of Athens, and Kusadasi, gateway to ancient Ephesus. But we return to Istanbul, which we first visited about a year ago. Last year we visited the top spots, this time we're headed for the second tier sites.
The sail-in to Istanbul is spectacular. The Cruise Director narrated the scenery as we cruised in after lunch on the 25th. This is the old town.
The Blue Mosque, named for the blue tiles used in the interior. Constructed in 1609-1617 it's still in use today. It's official name is Sultanamet Camii.
Hagia Sophia, perhaps the most famous. Built in 532-537 as an Eastern Orthodox church. In 1453 with the fall of Constantinople to the Ottoman Empire it became a mosque.
Topkapi Palace, which we'll visit tomorrow. Those domes are the ovens of the kitchen which fed 4000 people daily -- like a big cruise ship.
The Golden Horn, a river separating the old town from the new town on the European side.
Sulimaniye Mosque, which we'll also visit tomorrow.
Where we berth, in the new town north of the Golden Horn. The blue roofed area in the center right would become the bane of our existence for the next two nights as our room was directly opposite it. At night it became a techno dance hall with LOUD thumping music going from 10pm to 3am. There was also screaming, which may have been singing, mixed in. Foam earplugs were necessary but not sufficient.
After we docked at 2pm we walked around the shopping mall that's part of the cruise terminal. Istanbul has built a magnificent underground cruise terminal where we were berthed.
This is the Nusretiye Camii, built in 1826. Just one of the 4000 mosques in Istanbul.
Tophane-i Amire Sanjak Tower
Nautica down the way. We were placed at the far end of the dock, probably because we're so small.
On the 26th we took an excursion to the second tier sites. It was a long walk to the cruise terminal.
First stop was the Sulimaniye Mosque
The faithful wash before entering
A portion of the mosque that can hold 10 000
The Roman Aqueduct still stands
The Spice Bazaar
A jewelry shop that took some of our money. Recommended by our tour guide, I hope he got a cut.
Gate of Salutation, entry into Topkapi Palace
Nature will find a way
The sultan had a great view of the Bosporus
The library didn't have many books when we were there.
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