Things I loved about Istanbul

Interesting architecture;
Narrow streets with cobblestone roads;
Cafés on every corner;
Quaint shops everywhere; and
Mosques on every street;
The night view from our hotel room.

Istanbul's Grand Bazaar

Since the plane was late taking off (darned charter flights) we only had a few hours in the Grand Bazaar before it closed for Eid. The Grand Bazaar in Istanbul is one of the largest covered markets in the world and is comprised of more than 58 streets and 4,000 shops. We tried to make our way through the walkways to see all the jewelry, gold, silver, pottery, spice, leather and carpet shops we could. Being well trained in the art of shopping by my mother, I was successful in purchasing a few items which will remind me of this trip in years to come. I could not stop taking pictures of the Bazaar’s painted ceilings!

We have arrived in Istanbul!

The charter package offered a hotel on the Beyoglu side of the Bosphorus so we booked the flight only and arranged our own accommodation in the Sultanahmet area. We stayed at the Stone Hotel and requested room 402 as the Lonely Planet recommended. Above are pictures of our view. The weather was a nice change from Dubai so we had the windows open the whole time - the mosque being right outside our window provided a wake-up call, albeit way to early. Our only criticism to the hotel is their choice in very tacky bedspread - "criticism" is a bit harsh - amusing is more like it. Oh, and I think a shower curtain may be a North American thing.

Happy Birthday Heidi!

For as long as I can remember I have wanted to see the Blue Mosque in Istanbul. Therefore, visiting this city on my noteworthy birthday was very special for me. It was the end of Ramadan in Dubai and for those who followed by blog last year know that this means an Eid long weekend! I found a special charter package for Istanbul and signed up as soon as I got the okay from my financial advisor (a.k.a. Barry). Once the damn plane took off - Sultanahmet here we come!