Istanbul - ..the world's capital

After spending a few days in Istanbul, I can say with certainty that this is one of the best, if not the best, places that I have ever visited!  There is such a mix of everything - culture, people, food.... it's the perfect blend between Middle-Eastearn and European cultures.

On one of our tours we heard a quote from Napolean Bonaparte that summarizes Istanbul perfectly.  He said "If the world were a single state, istanbul would have been its capital"

We started our journey in Istanbul by walking around the old city visiting a number of sites, such as :

• Bascillica Cistern (an old roman underground temple)



• Topkapi Palace (from where the Sultans ruled the Ottoman empire)

• Blue Mosque (yes, it's as amazing as everyone says!)





• Suleymaniye Mosque

• Grand Bazaar (my favourite place!)



• Spice Bazaar

After spending a few days in the old city, we decided to venture out into the new part of Istanbul (all walking!). 

 

We the took the Galata Bridge, where we enjoyed a drink facing the horn and some fish sandwiches from a floating boat restaurant, over to the new city where we walked Istiklal - the main walking street full of shops, restaurants, cafes, performers, etc... it was amazing!

After spending some time on Istiklal, we had to visit the famous T
aksim Square!  So we made our way up there for some pictures and to try some of the delicious  garlic and tomato hamburgers!

Yesterday we took a Ferry tour down the Bosphorus to a Fishing village, where we spent a few hours checking out the local village.  We had an audio guide on our way there, so we learned a lot about the city and it's history!

We end every night by stopping in our favourite Turkish Dessert Place - Hafiz Mustafa, eating some Baklava and drinking some Turkish Tea, while we people watch!

Istanbul has been incredible - although I don't think we would have seen as much had it not been Ali's tips and notes (thanks Ali!).  It's going to be really hard to eave tomorrow, although I am, of course, excited for the next leg of the CSC journey in Tanzania!