Istanbul Nine Ten

I probably expected more chaos in Istanbul. Why they allow cars in the main historic precinct is beyond me, but other than that, we have found the areas that we have moved in, tourist friendly.
Lots of walking on our two days here. Tony’s knee has held up well and it really hasn’t stopped us from doing major things. Fortunately the Sibiu anti-biotics have worked and his stamina has returned.
First day we had a guide that stayed with us from 9am to 3pm. A bit of a character who smoked too much for someone who relies on his voice.
We are amused at the volume of tourists here. We have been in the streets at 9am and they are quiet. Visit a site and come out at 11am and one is gaping at the loooong queues at every tourist magnet. Having a guide yesterday, on quite a hot day, was most expedient as he got us by the crowds. I am sure we must have cheesed off quite a few people. On the other practical side, a great effort is made to keep this very large tourist precinct clean and there is a surprising amount of WC’s...clean too!!
   So we have seen fancy palaces, grand churches and the ubiquitous Blue Mosque. The latter is being restored and not at its best. One has to be appropriately covered to enter this mosque. Our Turkish guide was very sceptical about this requirement...he does not know where this need is mentioned in the Koran. The historical importance of the Ottaman Empire and consequently, that of the Sultan, was an interesting revelation. Even Queen Victoria made sure that she was in his good books. We have seen items that reinforce the Arabian Night’s image of jewel encrusted swords, weaponry and items found in the homes of the well-to-do. Opulent fabrics and those GRAND fancy beds add to the picture.
Our favourite place was the unfortunately called “Cistern.” In approx 540AD they built a cavernous underground water tank to hold the water for the town, that arrived by those fantastic viaducts. They were into recycling. Columns and capitols plundered from conquered towns were used to support the arched roof. Water still drips into the massive bunker as you wander the raised walkways. Terrific ancient engineering. One of the most famous recycled items are two Medusa heads, disrespectfully placed sideways and upside down!
We visited the Grand Bazaar at 9am today. Expecting Moroccan-Fes-like chaos I was so surprised to see wide arcades with painted roofs and mini-shops that spilled out onto the tiles rather than the higgedly-piggedly, dark claustrophobia of Morocco. We liked how messengers/ waiters would deftly move amongst the stall holders with silver trays laden with small curved glasses of tea, and sugar. Pre-ordered coffee equivalent! We happily wandered, eventually buying Tony his Turkish Delight...a family-known favourite...and a suitably Turkish table-runner for me. Probably paid too much, but it will bring back most fond memories.
Back on the bikes tomorrow. All the locals that we have encountered have been nothing but helpful and friendly. Being an Aussie, and travelling on a motorbike, helped. I will return to Oz with an altered perception of Istanbul.
Not sure about time and internet over the next few days.    Talk when I can. K x