Cruising the Bosphorus with views of Europe and Asia

Istanbul spans Europe and Asia. We had dinner and cruised along the Bosphorus with views of Europe on one side and Asia Minor on the other. The Bosphorus Bridge (Bogazici Koprusu) allows Turks to easily travel between the two side.

The evening's entertainment included Turkish folk dancing and belly dancing. The grilled sea bass was awesome.

 

 

Istanbul - Topkapi Palace

Topkapi Palace was home of the Ottoman Empire for four centuries.

 

 

Basilica Cistern and lunch in Istanbul

Another cold day. Feels like it could really snow... Visited Yerebatan, an underground cistern. It was dark, damp and interesting. Had medusa's head there, you can throw coins around the water near her head and wish for something.

The cistern is close to the Sultanhmet Square, which contained obelisks, gifts given by Egypt. Around the square are shops, lots of kebab restaurants and bakeries. Lunch was awesome! Beef meatball with chili spread and rice and bean salad. Was told the lamb was hard to chew on.