Istanbul
A true crossroads. Formerly Constantinople (until 1930), formerly Byzantium (until 330ish), it sits astride the link between Europe and Asia. It has a fascinating history (read City of Majesty at the Crossroads of the World for a really good overview), and is the most cosmopolitan place I’ve been to. I thought I knew what a big city was. No I didn’t.
Medusa lurking in the Basilica Cistern
While appearing pushy, the carpet vendors know it's a game and were wonderful to engage with. No, we did not buy a carpet.
Almost like Xmas lights
A city of contrasts
Wash your feet before entering a Camii (mosque)
The view of the historically Venetian side of the Golden Horn from the Süleymaniye mosque
M1s1r Çarş1ş1 bazzar
Fishing from the Galata bridge - the water, despite being in the middle of the city was remarkably clear
Produce vendor in Üsküdar on the asian side of the Bosporus
Dogs have the run of the place. You see them roaming freely. They are quite well behaved though.
The view from Kad1köy back to Istanbul
Street fish monger in Sar1yer up the Bosporus near the Black Sea
Street scene in Sar1yer
The Hagia Sophia - the largest church in Christendom for 1000 years, until surpassed by the Cathedral in Seville.
Being surrounded by water, ferries are a common public transit option. And all people use them... full western wear to full burka.
Beş1ktas - where one can get phenomenal mussels and a döner grinder/sub/hero of intestines. Sounds iffy, but was very tasty.
