Instanbul. Constantinople. Istanbul.....

The Long-Term Endurance across Turkey continued today with contestants plowing into the ancient Hippodrome with its transplanted Egyptian obelisk that the Roman emperor imported. It was then on to the famous Blue Mosque, the nextdoor neighbour of the Hagia Sophia of yesterday. We marveled at the gorgeous tiles, marble fixtures, the pillars the diameter of an automobile and soaring off into the domes above.





From there, we walked. Heck, we walked all day. Not just a little sissy Texas walk, but major league Turkey-trotting. We walked until our dogs barked, then we walked some  more. Our crew is to be congratulated on ANOTHER fine day's long-distance walk through Anatolia.

We visited the Topkapi Palace, home of the Ottoman Sultans and their harems. Some saw the fabulous jewel-encrusted treasures and furniture, others peeked out over the Bosphorus toward the Sea of Mamara and the Black Sea further north.

Lunch was a buffet at the Pudding Shop that boasted a picture of Bill Clinton standing in front of it. A few of our hearty Republicans balked at entering, but our Democratic caucus offered a cross-the-aisle truce and we enjoyed a fine feast and foot-resting. Afterwards, we took up the taunting offer of a wild, stretchy ice cream from SE Turkey and many enjoyed the most expensive cone of their lives---but OH how yummy!

Our crew was finally treated to some commercial therapy at the Grand Bazaar of the city, shopping  instead of dropping. A quicxk trip across town brought us to the Egyptian Spice Bazaar where we sampled everything from saffron to Turkisk Delight and did our best to prop up the Turkish economy.







Perhaps our highlight, after the stressful heat and humidity of the day, was an hour or more boat trip up the Bosphorus past  the palaces of yore and the mansions of today. We enjoyed the cool, strong breeze across the water, the fantastic vistas, and some cool drinks.

We've now returned from a great dinner out at a fantastic Turkish restaurannt with a nice spread of national salads on the table and choice of chicken, beef, or  lamb kebobs or fish. A platter of fresh cherries, apricots, apples, and other fruits ended a perfect day.

Tomorrow, a long bus ride to the border, transfer of our luggage through Customs, and on to Greece! Talk to you then!