Istanbul Day 2

Today was tourist 'lite', a leisurely day out and about. We decided on taking a little sightseeing cruise up the Bosphorus so we squeezed on the local tram with the rest of humanity and toodled over to the ferry docks by the Galata Bridge. We'd just missed the 10am boat so we had a very bouncy hour's wait on the next-over ferry. The wind was definitely blowing but most of the choppy waves were caused by the dozens and dozens of ferries pulling in and out of the dock. Quite entertaining to watch from our perch on the 2nd story covered deck, but thank goodness we were in the fresh air else we'd really be feeling it!  

Finally we left on our cruise, sailing up the European side of the Bosphorus Strait to the 2nd bridge, then back down the Asian side. We were amazed at the elegant summer palaces that dotted the waterfront as well as all the gorgeous/stylish homes that crowded the hills behind. We had no idea how cosmopolitan Istanbul was (nor how large: 17 million people apparently). And as a special treat, we saw our cruise ship 

sail in and watched it dock from afar - from now on we'll be onboard every time that happens!

Next up was strolling the backstreets of Eminou looking for the Rustempasa mosque, known for its lovely tile work.  It was a challenge to find as its actually located on the 2nd floor (the mosque is self-sustaining as it collects rent from its 1st floor stores). The only people about only were one or two men praying inside the small building so we helped ourselves to their handy zip-up covers with self-attached scarves, once again admiring the stunning images we projected, and popped inside for a look.

We strolled out from the mosque, elbowing our way thru the crowded streets, thoroughly enjoying ourselves pervuing everything on offer: gumboots, harem outfits, sea sponges, party supplies, doner kebabs, etc., and a great kitchen supply store where I was able to replace the corkscrew the TSA removed from my carry-on!

Our path led us right into the Spice Bazaar. It's pretty much dedicated to selling tourists sweets, vacuumed-packed spices and little souvenirs but still a treat to ogle at the colors and variety. Dried kiwi anyone?

A quick look at the Serkeci train station - an aging Grande Dame of a station, once the terminus for the Orient Express, before returning to our hotel for some rejuvenating air-conditioning and afternoon tea, followed by Happy Hour cocktails on the roof terrace. Vacationing is such hard work!