Istanbul- Part 2

We went to the Topkapi Palace, Turkey's #1 tourist attraction.  It was a beautiful day and we walked around looking at all the rooms that the Sultans use to live in and then visited the Harem. We learned that at one point over 300 women lived in the Sultan's Harem.

 The entrance to the Palace.

 Part of the Harem

All of us at the Palace overlooking the Bosphorus Straight.

After the Palace, we made our way over to the Spice Bazaar.  It was a lot smaller than the Grand Bazaar, but filled with spices, dried fruits, sweets, and teas.

 Dried pepper, eggplants, and some other items. They dry their pepper just like the do in Macedonia.

 When you walk around all you see is piles and piles of spices.

Different kinds of teas.

After the Spice Bazaar, we head towards the water and took a ferry cruise up the Bosphorus.

 All ready for our two-hour cruise.

 On the water.  This is a famous bridge, Faith Bridge, that connects the European side of Turkey with the Asian side.

 Enjoying my Turkish tea on the boat. It got a little cold and windy.

 Afterwards, we grabbed some fish sandwiches.  There are three boats that sell fresh fish sandwiches.

Since it was windy, every time the boat rocked towards the pier the chef threw a sandwich to the waiter.

I could keep going on and on about my trip to Istanbul, but that would take a week of blogging. These were just some of the highlights. We also went to some museums and experienced a Hamam, the traditional Turkish bath.  The women and men go to separate areas and get "washed" and then a massage.  I can say it was an interesting experience; and I can cross that one off the list.