We depart the ship for a tour of the spice market, a cruise on the Phosperous Striat and yet another mosque which I apologise to all Mosque goers, I can’t remember the name of.
The spice market is gentler than the grand bazaar and easier to navigate. WH still only lasts 5 minutes and says he is having about as much fun as if he were at the mall. I like the colour and smell and less frenetic pace but we head towards to exit.
We leave the market and head into the mosque, we contemplate waiting outside but figure when in Rome. The Mosque is beautiful and covered in gorgeous blue tiles. It is far bluer than the Blue Mosque we saw the other day. The guide is really interesting and we learn about the Koran and the bible and its all quite fascinating so we are pleased we went inside.
We head across the road which is a mission in itself and board our ferry for a cruise. This time not a moaner in site and its a relaxing way to while away a couple of hours.
I did manage to get a pic of what i was talking about the other day in regards to the groups of men that hang out. Every time I see them I think of that song on two and half men.
As you get further from the centre the landscape changes and some of it remind me of cruising on lake Como with the houses right down to the water edge and the flash ones all locked up and waiting for someone to come and play. Then of course in the tale of two cities there are the ones simply abandoned and waiting for life.
We get back to the port and decide to take a wander before we depart Istanbul. It’s been great. I have learnt a lot in this city of 17 million people. Of wars, religion, east and west. Of both the history and the reality of living in this day. Thank you Istanbul.
