Happy in Istanbul

We awoke at 3:00am, were out the door by 3:45 and at the airport by 4:45. This unfortunate early start to our day was caused by a flight change that had us departing Tel Aviv at 6:30. The kids were pretty good about the whole business, and have toughed out a long day on the move: a rental car, a shuttle bus, a plane, a bus, a funicular, a streetcar, and plenty of walking. The novelty of flying from the Middle East, landing in Asia for the first time (the east side of Istanbul) and returning to Europe by driving over the Bosphorus added the needed excitement to keep them moving.

George on the border of two continents

We've settled into a small and lovely hotel for 6 days in a fantastic neighbourhood in Istanbul. We're only a few minutes walk to the Blue Mosque and Hagai Sophia in one direction and the water in the other direction. After settling in, we strolled around the Golden Horn in 19 degree sunshine and ate kabobs, doner, Turkish beer and the honey-dripping-goodness of Baklava. YUM!

We ended our evening with a stroll past the Blue Mosque lit up in evening splendour. It really is impressive architectural (I think I should have been an architect). This is one of the few mosques that non-Muslims are allowed to enter, so we plan to go back this week when it's open and have a tour. 

The Blue Mosque - the white flecks in the sky are birds, not stars

We walked 'home' via a small upscale market. These are great to stroll through because the vendors aren't overly pushy and things are neat and tidy. I suspect the prices reflect this. We'll hit the Grand Bazaar when we're more rested and ready to be badgered with interesting sales pitches from thousands of vendors. 

I am exceptionally happy to be here. Istanbul has been a huge priority for me on this trip.