Istanbul June 12, 2014/
Departed our
ship by cab to our hotel. Met our guide Heimi for tour. Walked up the steep grade to the hippodrome and onto our entry to the Topkapi Palace of the Ottoman Sultans where a staff of thousands ruled the huge empire. Heimi walked us to a high end carpet shop for an "educational" presentation on Turkish carpet. We were served tea while listening to descriptions of dozens of different type and prices of carpets. After a polite thank you Heimi took us to an upscale traditional Turkish restaurant, pricy but delicious. Back on the tour we next went to the Blue Mosque and finished by taking off our shoes to enter the St Sophia mosque. Thanking Heimi we returned to our hotel for a rest after a day of much walking. We enjoyed our dinner on the 6 floor terrace over looking the hippodrome area and the sea.
Departed our
Wayne- Miriam , You must be worn out by now with all the walking you are doing. I bet you were almost tempted to buy a carpet (, at their special price for you ) .Not sure when you are heading home but you will have a lot to tell us along with photographs etc. Keep your hand on your wallet,
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Hey Guys! Pat and I finally found your new blog, and read it from the start. Appears you are certainly helping address the income gap in Italy (assuming the pickpocket hasn't already become rich), using guides and wanna-be guides well, and visiting the right places. I hope Hagia Sophia was as impressive to you as it was to us. I can tell you your photo of the Corvo Bianco really drove John crazy. He saw it while we played golf, and his game did slightly fall apart. You have to make sure the wine you bought him makes it through customs. He won't ever be the same if it doesn't. Have a good trip home, and hope you get some sleep.
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