Cruise: Istanbul--Topkapi, Crepes, Sunset

We knew going into the cruise that we would be returning to Istanbul.  We might have even not had the extra days of staying in Istanbul except most people we talked to really really loved the city and told us that a few days there would be a joy.  So here we are back for one last hurrah via the cruise...What was cool was that, by this time, we were familiar enough with the Istanbul metro (which is actually super easy) and the layout of the city that we felt comfortable striking out on our own...which was good, considering the "Secret Treasures of Istanbul" guided tour we wanted to go on didn't "make" (not enough English speakers signed up so it was cancelled...boo...hiss).  But all in all, it turned out fine.

Now, in retrospect, we REALLY dig Turkey.  We'd love to go back to Istanbul (especially now that we know how to deal with the carpet sellers - sheesh).  Correction: we will be going back to Istanbul. This day was going back to see some of the things we loved, and going through Topkapi Palace.

I shall not comment.  
No, he shall not.
He may have his manly day dreams, but he may not comment.
And he is reasonably wise not to comment when I'm in the midst of taking a Feminist Theory class.

I'm coming to really love some of the architecture of the Ottoman's, and other Islamic historical groups', time in the sun.  One of the top destinations on our bucket list now is Spain, not least because I want to see the Cathedral and former Great Mosque of Cordoba. 

Here is a one-minute video Your Correspondent took in the Harem courtyard.  

Path for the Sultan's horse.

We were especially pleased with the big, old shade trees in Istanbul.  

Lunch was at a cafe near the palace.  They had crepes...mmmmmmmmmmmm....

We love Turkish tea, and Turkish tea sets like this one!  This is one of the things that I wish we had brought back--we have Persian tea sets here, but the cups are smaller. These Turkish sets were available lots of places but literally we did not have room in our suitcase.  When we go back, I'm going to bring some home. :)

The cruise left right at sunset, which made for some breath-taking views.

Sunset between mosque minarets on the Golden Horn side of Istanbul.

Galata Tower, built by the Genoese during their time in Constantinople.  It's a lovely place to go and listen to the evening call to prayer come across the city from the muezzin in the hundreds of mosques in Istanbul.

From the ship about to leave and head down the Bosphorous - a dusk view of the Hagia Sofia (on the right) and the Blue Mosque (left).