Istanbul

Today we were on our own in Istanbul. The tour we have come for does not start till tomorrow night. Our hotel, the Legacy Ottoman, is a grand old place. The breakfast room is on the top floor and this was our view.

This morning we went to Hagia Sophia, the churchbuilt by emperor Justinian 1500 years ago. It is one of the world’s great buildings.

Much of it is screened off for restoration but most is accessible. In the midst of all the grandeur this fellow was having a nap.

Afterwards we walked around searching out a couple of stores we wanted to find. This took us through the Grand Bazaar and then out into unbelievably crowded streets.