Back from charter, I have a few moments to continue the Istanbul Saga. Again in reverse order we have the Topkapi Palace. This is basically where the Sultans lived. This is their private swimming pool in the 'family' portion of the palace known as the Harem. The balcony this was taken from is the Sultan's private patio with access to the quarters of his ladies.
After literally hours of wandering (puposefully) around the Topkapi Palace we needed a break off our feet and so jumped on a tour boat up the Bosphorous. We travelled up the Bosphorous hugging the European continent and returned skimming the Asian shores. The contrast is astounding. The European coast is lined with palaces and lavish hotels (that probably once were palaces). The most impressive being the palace the Sultan's moved to in 1856, the Dolmabahce Palace, leaving the Topkapi Palace to the lesser royalty and non favourites. Unfortunately no time to explore the interior but hey, next time.
We didnt quite make it to the Black Sea (its rather a distance) but turned at this bridge over the Bosphorus. Thats Europe on the left and Asia on the right.
And returning we got a close up of Asia. Startlingly different!!! In place of the grand Palaces and opulent hotels there are...parks and houses with regular looking people going about their day. What does stand out though, is the differences between the waterfront houses. One house will be splendidly maintained with a clean, protected dock for their boat while their neighbour is a burnt out husk with broken windows and falling down roof. As you sail past you cant believe that youre looking at the same scene from one house to the next.
Returning to land we collapsed into cushions at a restaurant where we drank the local drink (which tasted suspiciously like a good Ouzo - Greek drink that turns white when you put water in it La) And were serenaded by this gentleman with helpful translations from our waiter.
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