Istanbul and Bosphorus -again!
Unfortunately Mary 'not fit for travel' so I joined the coach party after getting 'shore pass' for day- Viking coach number 24 I think; a huge operation, just like the Viking invasions of Britain.
We visited the Blue Mosque again but it was a wholly different experience. We entered via a sort of underground passage and narrow spiral staircase onto the main blue carpeted arena, without any crowds.The guide explained the purpose of Ramadan - thought up by Mohamed, as a way of encouraging self discipline and a focus on 'thinking bigger', as ABC radio keeps urging all Australians to do.
It's a very stunning interior, close up.
After a stop for a
We then moved to more markets-much more what I'd expected - more down to earth. Still a bit 'glitzy' but more people buying and again a veritable labyrinth of brilliantly lit caverns, each with their -almost unexceptionally male owner standing somberly at the entrance.
Just one or two smiling female owners lightened the mood a bit. Having read 'Spice Travels' I was well prepared for a haggle over the quality and price of saffron and after the owner and myself were exhausted with the the process I finally bought 3 grams!! I chose 'Aladdin' of course
It wasn't all rare spices on display -look closely at the stand above!!
We then moved a to a Captain Cook type ferry, were all packed in and toured the Bosphorus for an hour with continuous commentary from two men. The rich and famous all have houses here, plus most embassies etc. There's the European and Asian sides. One guide said that best thing about the Asian side was the European side! The older parent generation live on the European side but their kids can only afford the Asian side--sound familiar?
We were not given food or drink and no-one bought anything.
Back for a late lunch where Mary was feeling a bit better, then I attended lecture on Ottoman Empire -about which I knew absolutely nothing and was surprised to realise how long-lasting and extensive it was. The talk , by an American historian concluded by making direct reference to the Armenian genocide and pulled no punches. Very bold considering the continuing official Turkish denial that it ever happened at all.
