Bucket list blessings

The best view from a window today, looking out at the Blue Mosque from the Haggia Sophia

But more of that later.

In a sad indictment of what my life had become I now view an 8am start as asleep in. Tony I'm looking at you. However in this case 8am was essential if we were going to maximise our time in Istanbul. Remember that traffic I told you about, well there was more sitting in it today - about 6 hours all up. This does cramp one's sight-seeing style but we had another fantastic local guide who got us to the things we really wanted to see. 

The Blue Mosque

breathtaking. Friday is not the best day to be here, it's a holy day.

We could have visited inside after 3pm but our schedule didn't

quite run to that, just means we have to come back for another trip.

Haggia Sophia 

According to our guide 'Hagia' translates as 'holy' and 'Sophia' means 'wisdom', so the building is not named for a woman, but is the church of Holy Wisdom. Its origins date back to 537AD. The building has served worshippers of many faiths and when it was converted to a mosque in 1453 the icons were covered over with a special clay, because Muslims cannot pray in front of images. I didn't know that, our guide was so knowledgeable and he loves this building. He said he can conduct two day tours just in this one building. He told us that this door was made from wood from Noah's arc and that Paul travelled around all the seven churches gathering relics of Jesus' time to be included in the church.

The two round symbols you can see were added by the Ottomans, the writing says 'Allah' and 'Muhammad'. When the clay the Ottomans had used to cover up the Christian images was removed it revealed the Madonna & Jesus in the middle. Isn't that a powerful message for how life should be - all of us getting along.

 to become king you had to stand in this ring

 inadequate photographic skills and no language to describe how I felt standing here.

Basilica Cistern

I didn't think I'd be able go down here but the door was always visible and no crowds so I consider this a real bonus. I love looking at the handiwork of those clever Romans who, in the 6th century, thought we need water for the city why not dig a huge cavern (or get our slaves to dig) under an existing building and make it beautiful even though no one will ever see it. Our guide said the columns were left-overs from other buildings - waste  not want not.

they kept carp in the water to keep it clean (still do) - see what I mean clever!

the grand Bazzar: not a great shot but I was too busy shopping.

as you can sort of see it's not crowded. We all know why, people are staying away. I understand the need for prudence, we cut our time in Istanbul short for this reason but it's just one other tragedy in our world of many sadnesses that innocent people take the brunt in every way. Our tour guides have reported 70, 80 & 90% downturn in trade and one tour company we've spoken to said 100% of cruises for 2017 have been cancelled. Every single person we've met or interacted with has been kind, funny, helpful and generous and to a man they have all said 'thank you for coming.'