Istanbul (part 3)

It was a beautiful day, sunny and clear and as we approached the Hippodrome we observed the increase in tourists from the day before. Long lines were seen leading to the Hagia Sophia from both directions so we decided that we would avoid that area and go and see the Basilica Cistern, an underground water system that was built in the 6 century to bring drinking water into Istanbul from near Bulgaria.

After being impressed with the large space  broken up by a forest of 336 marble columns, the vaulted ceilings and arches and the mood lighting we left to make our way to a previously discovered tea house. With much better prices we settled down in the quiet restful space and enjoyed our coffees for Clyde and Ewout and apple tea for Anna and Jenny. Refreshed and rejuvenated we walked again to the Grand Bazaar where we found a man doing calligraphy. He did such a great job that we decided to have our names done on a decorative cardboard which we will frame when we get home. Winding our way through the bazaar we ended up in a quieter neighborhood and ate our lunch at a small back street kebab shop.

Our next destination was the Topkapi Palace and Harem, so using Clydes tablet for navigation we eventually found the entrance and made our way to the ticket office for our entry passes.

A major tourist attraction in Istanbul, the Topkapi Royal residence, was the primary residence of the Ottoman Sultans for approximately 400 years and a setting for state occasions and royal entertainments. We enjoyed looking around but it was very busy and with lots of school children visiting we had to jostle to view the displays in the Royal  Robes and the treasury. We then visited the Harem which is more like a glorified goal for the women and family of the Sultans. We now were feeling pretty tired and had enough of sightseeing so we walked our weary way down the hill to our campers. Along the way we stopped to buy some cooked mackerel for an easy tea with salad and thus we ended the day tired and our heads full of the sights and sounds of Istanbul.