Goodbye Istanbul, hello Athens. Had a good flight on Aegean Airlines - pretty nice and they even offered you food and drinks, bonus! Our accommodation host gave us good directions which helped in finding the place. She met us at a nearby hotel as it was close to her unit. We had a much needed nap this afternoon, we were feeling pretty out of it all day. We then woke and thought about getting some dinner. Such a contrast to Istanbul! Most things were closed and it...

The rain set in earlier today, so we did what is best to do in rainy weather, sleep! Once we got up, we went and had lunch which was actually pretty tasty. We then visited The Blue Mosque. Bek had to get dressed up in appropriate attire to enter which was an experience. The Blue Mosque was very spectacular on the outside, the inside was also pretty amazing. Lots of people wanting to check it out, some going in there just to pray although they close it at officia...

The rain put a damper on things initially today and we had to head back to our accommodation after lunch. Once it cleared up, we went to check out the Basilica Cistern which was quite cool. Afterwards we made our way to their Grand Bazar, wow! It was an enclosed market where you could purchase anything from carpet, tea, shirts, bags, jewelry, traditional Turkish wear, spices, dried fruit, lanterns and souvenirs . We bought some fresh assorted Turkish Delight whic...

We changed rooms today, to a much bigger and cooler room right next to the other one, which was great! We figured as our initial booking started today (we extended the booking for a few days earlier) that this was the room we initially booked. We had a breeze from two sides of the room, so it was nowhere near as stuffy. And a balcony with an amazing view! Plus, the internet connection was ten times better. Anyways enough about the room. We researched a bit to det...

Today was a day, similar to yesterday. Another sleep in followed by a yummy lunch. We then made our way (not very far as we are staying in Sultanahmet which is close to most attractions) to Topkapi Palace - which was constructed in 1478 and opened as a museum in 1924. It was used as an administrative center of the Ottoman Empire and the residence of the Sultans for 380 years. It was huge! With lovely courtyards, the 4th in particular overlooking the Bosphorus Sea...