Day 4 and it's been another incredible day here in Istanbul.
We started with Aya Sofia which was so huge it was hard to take it all in. The mosaics were fabulous - we saw what's considered one of the most famous mosaics; Christ between Mary and John the Baptist. Well we actually saw what's left of it - about 20% and it is lovely. The detail and colours remain intense.
The size of the building is awesome - I find it hard to try and imagine how they built it 1500 years ago and it only took them 5 yrs to complete.
On the ground floor is a series of coloured marble spots that mark the place where Byzantine a Emperors were crowned - I tried to imagine being at such a ceremony in this vast building. Oh so much more to learn about the history of this world we live in.
Lunch in the park was good. Oh on the food front I haven't mentioned how scrummy the breakfasts at the Sebnem
Hotel are. All homemade by the lady here. Fresh fruit, homemade pastry's, fresh tomatoes, olives, cheeses, eggs, homemade sweet things and fruit juice squeezed for you as you arrive and it's just the best way to start the day.
After lunch we checked out the Istanbul Archeological Museum. Quite a few highlights found there...
- fabulous mosaics hall - saw some of the original plates and bowls with the current tulip pattern along with lots of other examples of mosaics from different regions.
- Some great sarcophagi - Egyptian and Turkish and an awesome mummy skeleton in a glass case - the boys were both wowed and spooked by it. Never seen anything like it before.
- some bowls and stuff from 6500 years ago - hard to get mind around!
- early writing gear including a cool agricultural calendar.
Then we decided to go to Asia so took the local transport ferry over - oh yikes what an experience we were like sheep waiting to run up the plank into the back of a truck. Geoff yelled "Harrods sale!" As we raced to grab our place. Got great outside seats and with today being our best day so far it was a super trip over. Had a walk around Asian side of Istanbul - v cool.
Back to European side via under water tunnel train - v v fast! Couldn't believe how quick.
Final stop - the Haci Bekir Turkish Delight shop I had read about - bit underwhelming as an experience but good Turkish Delight.
Dinner on the balcony tonight - loving our haven here at the Sebnem Hotel.