Adventures of NaDave: Euro-Trip: 13-15 (Istanbul)

We happily landed in Istanbul, but didn't get to our hotel until 2am! We were happy to have Cairo behind us, but also starting to wear down.

Day 1 started with 1st getting to our hostel around 10am. We were warmly greeted with Turkish Tea, and then headed out to tour the Topkapi Palace, where the Sultans used to live and where religious artifacts such as Moses' Staff & David's Sword reside. Then we went into the famous Blue Mosque, and had our first Islamic experience. That night we had Mezze Plates at a couple restaurants, then bought a bottle of wine to take back. But Dave passed out quickly, even before we could reflect on the day.

Day 2 started with Haga Sofia...the most famous site in Istanbul. Seeing Christianity & Islam side-by-side was very refreshing, but also a reminder of how far there is to go. We then saw the Basilica Cistern (main water supply when Rome was displaced to Constantinople), and then took a cloudy but dry boat cruise on the Bosphorus Strait. (the body of water separating Europe & Asia).

After the chilly cruise, Nadine led us to lunch & then to the most amazing Turkish bath. Just...amazing. We then wandered Istklal Street and sampled plenty of Turkish Delights & Baklava. We ended the night with crossing the 5th continent off our list...we ventured over to the Asia side of Istanbul & had dinner. Nothing fancy, but a great view of the city at night.

Day 3 was short, and we only had time for the Grand Bazaar (market). We did some shopping, then headed for the airport to Paris. We had to run to catch the plane, as Dave forgot about the Butter Knife in his backpack! Oops!

Overall, we loved Istanbul for its food and city experience. Very nice people...but still dangerous, as we fortunately missed this.