Time to Blog!

Our second day in Istanbul took us to the Topkapi Palace after our walk on the Hippodrome. The Palace built between 1466 and 1478 was the home for the Sultans and their families, including the Harems and quarters for the eunuchs! Between 15th and 19th centuries it was the centre of the Ottoman Empire. A magnificent building/s in lush gardens, today houses so many treasures and antiquities. Very beautiful!! 
So many more photos but the site will allow one photo at a time!! Tedious! 
We took a quick walk around the spice bazaar - so colourful and crowded, as it was Sunday the locals were out too.
And an  appropriately named 'hop on  hop off bus'!
After lunch we took a boat trip along the Bosphorus with clear views of both sides of the city - the European and Asian! There are some very impressive buildings  on both sides. An interesting snippet of information- the Bosphorus is designated non- military, hence no access to military shipping from the Black Sea!! There is talk of constructing a canal through the outer reaches of the city on the north to connect the black Sea with the Agean. Seen as a lucrative business by some parts of government!!
And so ends our visit ti Istanbul - a most interesting city with a vibrant and complicated history,  More time needed for more in-depth exploration, but it was a privilege and joy to visit'

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