Day 3 April 2

[jamesfc]

Today was rather overcast and dull - just a little drizzle this afternoon, so we spent some time in the Topkapi Palace, and I attempted an outside shot of the Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmet Camii). This is an HDR image...

Blue Mosque - HDR

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We also visited a craftsman working on brass pots - Carolyn helped hold the flash, fired with a radio remote.

Turkish craftsman welding brass pots

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Finally, because it was drizzling, we spent some time in the Grand Bazaar...

Grand Bazaar

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[bbass]

Drizzly days are always good for inside activities -- like shopping Awesome HDR image.
Brenda

[jamesfc]

Tomorrow we leave Istanbul for Cappadocia. I wanted to fill in a few details before we leave. We will be going to see some more sites in Istanbul before we have to leave for the airport (around 1:00), and I'm not sure if we will have Internet access immediately in Cappadocia. Meli did arrange for a hot air balloon for us and the weather is suppose to be clear and sunny.

The food in Turkey so far has been excellent - best of the best! I never ate eggplant in so many different ways, including eggplant for desert! Don't knock it - it is absolutely declicious! I have to file it under one of my all-time favorites! Istanbul is quite a sophisticated city and is quite safe. Carolyn and I just returned from walking around the Blue Mosque and Ayasofia from our dinner. Just the two of us. People are friendly and even children were still out playing in the park in front of the Mosque.

For all those people who indicated a fear of traveling to this part of the world - why? Wonderful people and great food, amazing history - it is really a shame to miss out on such a wonderful experience for an unfounded fear. Your loss.

Also, for some reason, Turkey has YouTube blocked so I will not be able to post videos. Turkey also lost the World Cup to Spain while we are here - no celebrations. Some news about the recent election here - but the anger over the elections almost makes me feel like I'm back home. Damn the politicians.

Hope to catch up soon!