Day 9 - Istanbul

It was nice, for once, to not wake to an alarm. The ship was to pull into Istanbul at 1pm.  Linda and I woke at 8:15.  We went to the gym - I did a leisurely workout and Linda did a spin class with Jamie.  

After a light breakfast, we went back to the rooms, and packed.  

A bit depressing, knowing our vacation was coming to an end. 

We met up in the dining hall at 12:15 so that we could have a bite to eat before we would take out first tour of Istanbul.  

We met out travel guide, Gonul, and soon boarded out van.  There was a lot of traffic as there were 4 cruise ships in the port.  We made our way to the Dolmabahce Palace.  The last palace inhabited by a Sultan prior to the overthrow of the Sultan in 1922.  

The entrance was a long road, passing a beautiful fountain. 

Prior to entering, had to stop outside in order to put shoe covers over out shoes, as they protect every aspect of the place. 

The palace was exquisite. Just what you would expect from a sultan.  Not one detail overlooked. They do not allow photographs inside, so you'll have to take my word for it.  

The expanse of each room was incredible.  We first toured the wing where diplomats where greeted.  Huge chandeliers in each room, gold inlays all over, and wood mosaic inlayed floors.  The massive ceremonial hall had a huge domed ceiling, and gigantic Turkish rug in the center.  

We moved into the personal living quarters of the sultan.  His private Turkish bath, library, and even bathroom. 

We then went through the harem wing. It seems that all of the other areas did not allow women (during the Ottoman Empire) to mingle with men.  All the women, both wives, concubines, and the sultans mother, lived in the harem.  

We moved outdoors where the palace grounds bordered the Bosphorus.  

We exited the grounds and boarded or van to head to the Grand Bazaar. Traffic was horrendous and it took us a while. 

We exited the bus, where out tour guide bought us simits - sesame encrusted giant bagels (that's the only way I can describe them). She also bought several smaller rolls, that were delish!

We then went to a rug shop.  After coffee, tea, and much haggling, Jamie and Josh purchased a beautiful hand woven Turkish rug.  

From there we went to the Grand Bazaar.  It would be quite easy to get lost in their. It was a maze of thousands of covered streets of shops.  

We stopped at a pashmina booth and the girls bought several. 

We then moved on to a leather shop. 

We all came out happy, if just a bit poorer.   We then boarded our van and headed back to the ship. Linda and I took the shopping bags and returned to the ship, Gonul dropped the kids at a local restaurant. 

Dinner aboard was spectacular.  The meal itself was excellent, but we really got to know our waiter, Alex.  

He shares his life's story with us, as ell has his family history.  It was apparent that he loved his job because he loved meeting people. 

After dinner, we went back to the stateroom to move the luggage out for pickup. 

The kids returned and did the same.  They shared the story of their dinner, which by all accords, was beyond any of their expectations.  

We then moved to the rear bar for our final on-board cigar and drink.  

The city of Istanbul was lit up before us. It was an incredible sight.  

Asia on our left, and Europe on our right.  

We soon went to sleep.  Our last evening on the ship.