We only have a couple more days left to explore Istanbul. We have a few places that we still want to see. As well, we just want to wander around to continue to soak up the sights, smells, sounds and tastes of this great city.
A cat asleep in a window display of a shop in Sultanahmet
This cat is a familiar sight at Hagia Sophia. This cat spends so much time sitting and warming itself in front of a floodlight, that the cat can't open its eyes in the sunlight.
The Basilica Cistern- built by Justinian in 532 was used to store water for the Great Palace and surrounding buildings.The roof is supported by 336 columns arranged in rows.
Hot coals being prepared at a huge Nargileh cafe that we wandered into. The place was crammed with people smoking nargilehs, playing backgammon, drinking Turkish tea and watching football on TV.
Everyday we walked by this family owned shop. It was off the tourist track and they sold hand woven pure silk products. Everything for the shop was made by the family in the Antakya region of Turkey.
Barry tried this vendor's sweet, milky hot drink. Both men were passionately trying to explain to us what he was going to drink. But, we think it is Boza, a thick drink made of fermented millet, sweetened with cinnamon sprinkled on top.
We're not sure what he was telling us - but he was so passionate and physical in his attempts to make us understand, that we were happy to go along. We now understand that he was trying to explain to Barry benefits for his virility in drinking Boza....and you may notice in the previous picture that he kept pointing at Mary Ellen
We really enjoyed and were repeat customers at the popular Fasuli's restaurant. Our server remembered us and gave us great service, as well as treats on our last evening - a selection of baklava for dessert.
