Istanbul, Turkey Pt. 1

I was convinced we were going to miss our flight.  We busted through a toll booth we couldn’t figure out how to work, drove past our exit, went a looong distance out of the way, were held up by the rental car people telling us the gas tank wasn’t full (thankfully they didn’t mention the crack on the windshield and didn’t seem to notice the carseat we left in the car), and had to pick up Brady’s lost booster seat that was found days later.  And so began the hurried, dragging our children behind us, run to the gate scenario we know so well.  Thankfully, we got in line just as they were boarding the plane!

On to Istanbul, Turkey.  In the early afternoon we walked up to the AyaSofya museum.  Building was completed in 537 and it was the “greatest church in Christendom” until it was converted to a mosque around 1453.  The mosaics were exquisite and there was a beautiful collection of calligraphy.  I stuck my finger in the “weeping column” and the story goes if your finger comes out moist, ailments can be healed.  My finger wasn’t wet, but I felt just fine.

 

Across from the AyaSofya is The Blue Mosque.  The man who built it intended to outdo the interior beauty of the Sofya with the beauty of the outside.  It was big, but I wasn’t terribly impressed.  When we arrived prayer service was taking place, so we were unable to view the inside. 

From there we went to the Grand Bazaar where we walked forever, got turned around- a nice way to say we continued the tradition of roaming the streets of a strange country, and bought Brady a Superman costume.  We ended the evening with very tired feet, but enjoyed a delicious meal of Turkish pizza and kebabs. 

         Of course we had to take a break to eat grilled corn and chase pigeons!

I must make special mention of my children.  I’m telling you, they were the best perhaps I have ever seen them… and I see them A LOT!  Juliette was a trooper in her backpack carrier, only complaining when Brady got an ice cream and she didn’t.  Brady walked and walked with very little complaint and didn’t ask for anything except ice cream and a Superman toy.  Our entire trip, they were treated like rock stars.  People asking to take pictures of and with them, giving them candy and fruit, and there was also a great deal of cheek pinching and high fives.  When Juliette wouldn’t sit still for dinner, waiters would entertain her by walking her around the restaurant.  Both Brady and Juliette were a pleasure!