19th September

Earlyish start today for markets, mosques, palaces and boat trip on the Bosphorus. Started at the Spice Market which has much more than spices(although they are fascinating) and is a real Aladdins cave. Not too much hard sell either. Then a mosque called The New Mosque (it's ancient) which had similar decorative aspects to the Blue Mosque but much easier to make your way around without the hordes. Onto the boat to sail up the coast on the European side and down the cost on Asian side. Wonderful waterside mansions, yachts and restored wooden buildings. Both sides similar but E side busier with commercial and business focuses plus historical interest. A side quieter, greener and more residential. Had lunch way up on Istanbul's highest hill at a balcony restaurant with panoramic views. The lunch was atrocious so you can't have everything! Back to the very ornate Sultans palace...shades of Versailles nice, but a bit less tasteful. Lots of gold leaf, marble staircases and the biggest chandelier in the world. All prime realestate