Istanbul

What a beautiful city at night!! Stray dogs, cats and tourists litter the city during the day, but even these inconveniences only slightly detracts from the breathtaking architecture and history of the city. The first day I completed my own tour of the area near my hostel and that night I went to visit the travel agent inside my hostel to get a ticket to Cappadocia. My new Australian friends’ (long story) conclusion by the end of the night… “greatest travel agent in the world.”

Hagia Sophia

Hagia Sophia - Eastern Orthodox Church from 360 until 1453.  Mosque from 1453 until 1931. National Monument since 1935.

 Some interior photos of Hagia Sophia:

Blue Mosque

Blue Mosque - Completed in 1616

Some interior photos of Blue Mosque:

Basilica Cistern

Basilica Cistern - Built in the 6th Century. Located below present day Istanbul.

Istanbul sits on the border of Europe and Asia, so I spent my second day in the Asian portion of the city. I did not really see too much on that side—mostly shops and mosques.

Spice Market on Asia side of Istanbul

One picture with me. Blue Mosque in the background.

Overnight bus to Cappadocia is next…oh boy.