Day 11 Istanbul Lara was right!

OK LARA if you are following I could spend weeks possibly months in Turkey. I am so glad that you convinced me to go. It has been awesome. Today was no exception.

I can say that I would have to have a driver and a guide because without them I would be totally lost. I thought drivers in the US were bad they are nothing they are great for that matter. Today we had several times that we had to wait for people to return to their cars and move them so we could get through. So someone would stop their car in traffic run in the store purchase something and then come back and go. Craziness, also the pedestrains were just asking to get hit running in and out of traffic and such I can't believe it.

We started at the St Sophia church then went to the Toekapai palace. We then went to a real Turkish rug factory and saw how they were made and had lunch on the terrace. We then hiked up to the Blue Mosque which was amazing. We are here during the holy month of Ramadan and we got to hear the calls to prayer this afternoon. They are beautiful and so heartfelt. It was interesting to see the rituals that they go through before and when they pray.

I thought it was very interesting to see the difference of the beliefs of the people. 90-95% of the people in Turkey are Muslim, yet I only saw a few women in full burikas and then alot of women with their head covered, but then I saw a lot of women without any head dress. So a lot of different cultures in one day.

We finished up the day with a quick shopping trip to the Grand Bazzar and a cruise on the Bospherus. All wonderful things to do. Unfocuntanatley it will still not let me post pictures so tomorrow we have a day at sea and I hope to be able to get everything posted but until then I will see you all tomorrow.

Becky