Istanbul

Day 1: A cruise down the Bosphorous is the first order of business....

In the Bosphorous, looking towards the Black Sea

We bought a sketch of this mosque, set in the 19th century. Looks a lot different, I can tell you!

Day 2: Hit the shops

Hint: Don't do the Grand Bazaar on your second day!

The Grand Bazaar has to be the origin of the word farrago. It's a maze of covered streets with thousands of people going everywhere - and this was a quiet day!

The first time we got ripped off - actually we were very pleased with our purchases. It's easy to find good quality goods and people take the time to chat and pass the time. It's a shoppers paradise! Those Lonely Planet guides get everywhere though (top shelf, if you're interested...)

The view from our hotel roof over the Sea of Marmara. I enjoyed a few afternoons in the sunshine, I can tell you!

View of the Blue Mosque from the roof.

The Blue Mosque at night, so called because of the blue tiles inside the mosque.

Byzantine mosaic at Aya Sofya - Mary, Jesus and John the Baptist.

I did take more photos but they don't do it justice. Go and see it for yourself - it's a must! Don't bother with the guides though. They just spend your time trying to drum up more business.