The PCUSA Pilgrim Pastor

First Day in Istanbul

Tuesday, October 8, 2024

After over 9 hours of sleep our group woke up refreshed and ready for the day. The breakfast was elaborate, complete with our own honeycomb to put honey on our rolls.

We meet our guide, Omur, in the lobby before hopping on our private bus and driving to the port for a private Bosphorous River Cruise.

The Bosphorous River is a strait that divides the continents of Europe and Asia. Istanbul is on both sides of the strait, about 70% in Europe and 30% in Asia. The 18 mile strait connects the northern Black Sea with the southern Sea of Marmara. We started down the Europe side to see the Galata bridge and New Mosque (which is from the 16th century)

The Dolmabahce Palace

The Remili Fortress

And several bridges. We had beautiful weather with sunshine and hardly a cloud in the sky.

After our cruise we went to the Spice Bazaar constructed in 1597.

The enclosed area held several small shops with every kind of spice you could think of.

Most of us bought some delicious Turkish Delight, saffron, and various loose teas. It was so colorful!

We worked up an appetite so we headed off to lunch. I had a Spinach Borek which was spinach and cheese with a light pastry on top. It was yummy!

Next stop was the Blue Mosque

Inside the blue tiles, stained glass, and high ceiling were breathtaking.

We couldn’t go in the front because it was for men only

The pulpit is pretty high up those stairs where messages are given. I don’t think I’d like to preach that high up!

The four “solo” travelers took a selfie in this iconic place.

So did I showing off the multi-colored ceiling.

Outside the mosque was just as gorgeous.

In fact we had our first group picture just outside the Blue Mosque.

The next stop was the Hippodrome where horse racing occurred. It is now a huge square that contains a couple of Obelisks. This one was erected in 390 to the emperor Theodosius.

The bottom carvings tell the story of the horse races. In this one the people have come bringing gifts to the Emperor.

Another highlight in the Hippodrome is the Serpent Column also erected in the 4th century.

It was cut off and one of the serpent heads was eventually found and is now in the nearby museum.

We had one final group picture with our guide in front of the Hagia Sophia which we will visit tomorrow. What a great looking group!

On our way back we drove under a Roman Aqueduct. Not something you see everyday in America.

We all were pretty tired after our first day so after a glass of the local beer, Efes Pilsner, and our group dinner it was time for bed.

A great start to our Paul adventure.