Days 1, 2, and 3...
Istanbul!
04.06.2011
We arrived in Istanbul and are staying here until the 6th when we will get on our ship for a 14 day cruise through the Aegean and Adriatic Seas. We have an adorable tour guide named Atilla. Like the Hun. He has been guiding us around the city and here are the highlights so far:
Hagia Sophia: the first dome built which used to be a mosque and has now been converted to a museum.
The Blue Mosque: an active mosque where apparently sundresses weren't appropriate dress so the covered our legs and shoulders with sheets. We also had to remove our shoes which led to an interesting smell on the carpeting inside...
Dolmabahce Palace: a palace built in 19th century by a French designer who also designed the Paris Opera House. It was elegant rococo type decor with faux marble, tons of crystal, and an amazing ballroom with one of the worlds biggest chandeliers. 
Punto of Istanbul: a fine rug store where we shopped and watched a pro rug weaver work on her $16,000 hand knotted silk rug. She was very fun and even let us sit with her and tie knots on the rug and made us silk bracelets!
Oz, The owner of the shop who has been in the rug business for his whole life got down on the rugs with us! (he's on the far right)
It looks like you guys are having a blast.
05.06.2011 by jilldoo85