Istanbul...Day Two

Semih's "taxi service" left their home at 7:30 sharp with all three of us. He was taking us into the city to be picked up by "She Tours" for a full day tour. Aysun had set-up our agenda and prescheduled our tours. Today's tour was for 8 hours and we didn't know if Fayth would make it!! Well, she did and was such a good girl. She especially loved the boat ride!! We started in a bus and got to see the city walls and the golden horn (a natural and secure harbor...it played an important role of Istanbul as the inlet separates the European shore into two. Next, we headed to the famous spice bazaar for shopping. You could smell the scents of saffron, cinnamon, caraway, mint and so many other spices and herbs. From there, we headed to the sea for a1 1/2 hour boat ride down the Bosphorus sea and had extraordinary views of Palace Hotel Kempinski, Ortakoy Mosque, Military High School, Bosphorus Bridge connecting Europe and Asia continents and the GORGEOUS Dolmachce Palace. It was a beautiful day and very enjoyable boat ride. My observation was that the European side had thousands of homes, apartments, and places to live, and the Asian side appeared to be much more green and spread out (at least from the view on the sea). Our next stop, LUNCH!! Fayth had passed out cold by this time which was actually "a nice treat" so Jon and I could enjoy a leisurely lunch. It was a super cute area with steep streets and so many eateries and pubs. After lunch, we headed over to a 4th century church (can't remember the name). All I know is that is was SO OLD and SO COOL!! Out front Fayth got a wooden top toy and picked out the FEZ hat she wanted. She was so cute...she walked right over to the man and tried it on. TOO CUTE...it was a must. Then the bus took us over the first built Bosphorus bridge, to the Asian side, for photos and a drink break on Camlica Hill. WOW...what stunning views of the city from there...not to mention yummy ice cream and a playbreak for Fayth!! Our tour was coming to a close and dropped us at the famous Toxium Square in the heart of the downtown area. It is a place for socializing, drinking, eating, shopping, and a perfect place to people watch. We were POOPED but it didn't stop us for walking the entire street. By 6:30 we could "do no more" and cabbed to Semih's work. He was ready and waiting and we all headed home. It was time to shower, change clothes, and sit and relax. Jon and Fayth hit the pool first for a quick dip. It stays light there until after 10 pm at night...crazy!!! Once again, Aysun prepared an amazing dinner and we enjoyed the balcony and good conversation about our day and sites. I took over 150 photo this day and it was really hard to pick them for this blog!! They are all amazing sites to see. Also...sorry they are out of order...it was a headache and is back asswords!! More to come...tomorrow!!