1st day of tourism Istanbul

After breakfast, we were ready for our first day of sightseeing of Istanbul. We decided to walk to the metro, which was down the hill from the hotel. When we got to the bottom of the hill and crossed the street to catch the metro. We saw a beautiful mosque. We entered the compound just to take a peak. A very nice man, who happened to be the caretaker of the mosque, told us that we were allowed to go inside to take a look.


We were the only ones in the mosque and it was amazing. So peaceful and quiet. It was beautiful with its stunning dome and light fixtures hanging from the ceiling.


When we finished taking a tour of the mosque, the clever caretaker of the mosque asked for a donation. Which we were very happy to donate.


We walked towards the Bosphorus and crossed the bridge to walk to the spice market. This was another amazing mosque next to the spice market.


The amazing spice market. Your senses are delighted with so much to see, touch, smell and taste.


The amazing selection of spices.


Huge selection of dried fruits.


After walking all morning. It was time for a break. We found Coffee world. A very nice coffee place. Starbucks was just a few shops down the street; but we wanted to support the local coffee shop that served Turkish coffee.


What was so amazing, is how the coffee is served. It comes in a set; the Turkish coffee, a mini bottle of water and a chocolate. Turkish coffee has the grounds at the bottom of the glass, that is the reason for the water, to wash down the bitterness. The chocolate is to add a bit of sweetness to your life. What a fantastic idea!