Back in Istanbul

Trip Start May 21, 2008

Trip End Jul 01, 2008

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Flag of Turkey Istanbul, Turkey
Saturday, June 28, 2008

Arrived back in Istanbul quite late last night, so today did not commit to much. Went wandering around the old town, quite rabbit warren of old streets. Visited the Basillic Cistern, established in the times of Emperor Justinian 527-565AD. We descended under the city to find rows and rows of columns rising out of water. Corinthian and Ionic if I can remember my high school architecture. The columns were covered in a type of mortar to make them water proof.. The cistern has the capacity to store tons of water. Many homes can still access these waterways through the basements of their homes. I remember seeing a National Geographic program about this not long ago.

Water drips from the high vaulted ceiling, fish swim in the water. It was lovely and cool away from the heat above. At the end of a long row of columns there are two which have Medusa's head at the base, one with the head upside down and one with head laid on it's side

Reflections in the water

. Once again Mythology mixing with practicality. I was very fortunate with setting my camera lens to open longer and take a shot of the vaults, columns and reflections in the water.

There is a coffee shop at one end lit by candlelight, we had a cool drink and sat back to absorb the unusual surroundings.

Back on the surface, we wandered to the Grand Bazaar, oh my this is a place you can get lost. Many alley ways and innumerable shops, I don't know how they survive all selling the same sort of thing, row after row. They try every trick to entice you in, serve you apple tea and try to do deals. The amount of hawkers and Turkish Carpet salesman my goodness they would try to sell you a Genie and a flying carpet if they could.

Our last official night of our trip, so out to see a traditional 1001 nights show. Belly Dancers, Knife throwers and Folk dancers. Very entertainng, those girls have muscles you would die for, and such control. After a while room became too smoky, so unusual to have people smoking through a meal. We are spoilt at home. And the music is full on loud, I must be getting old.... Anyway still in full swing midnight, and we have a flight to catch in the morning. Will be having an overnight stop in Singapore then home.

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Inside the Grand Bazaar	Belly dancing	Rows upon rows of columns	Window shopping
Knife throwing	Folk dancers	Medusa upside down at base of column	Medusa on her side