Day 51, 24 August 2012, The Topkapi Palace - If I simply say to fans of the Lord of the Rings.... "Precioussssss......" I am sure you will get my drift. The diamond pictured in today's blog is the fourth largest diamond in the world weighing 86 carats (not including the brilliants surrounding it). Viewing this treasure was one of our main reasons for visiting Topkapi - that and I don't think they let you out of Turkey until you have.... Many stories exist ab...

Day 50, 23 August 2012, Cemberlitas Hamam - Having tuckered ourselves out at the AyaSofya in the morning, we devoted the afternoon to more relaxing pursuits. James was on postcard duty and I went for a Turkish Bath. In Turkey. Finally. I chose Cemberlitas, which has been around 500 odd years, because it's gorgeous, historical, 5 minutes from our lodgings and after 500 years they should have a fair idea of what to do. They did. I didn't. But despite many chor...

Day 50, 23 August 2012, Hagia Sofya, Istanbul - This morning we visited one of the main historical sites in Istanbul. The Hagia Sofya - or Holy Wisdom. So actually nothing to do with saints or ladies called Sofya. We arrived at around 10.30 am and were confronted by a massive queue - it being high season and all, about 20,000 people per day visit this ancient Church/Mosque/Museum. We were approached by a lovely Turkish lady as we joined the end of the queue -...

Day 49, 22 August 2012, Istanbul - Grand Bazaar, Sunken Palace/Basilica Cistern, Blue Mosque, Arasta Bazaar - Life returned to the weary travellers today and we set off to the Grand Bazaar, about 5 minutes walk from our lodgings. C'est tres grande- en fait - c'est trop grande! After three hours of wandering the main street, the side streets, the side, side streets and the back alleys of this massive covered bazaar we concluded there truly is nothing new under t...

Day 48, 21 August 2012, Grand Bazaar (closed), Hot shave experience for James, Juice bars and browsing - Finally leaving the hotel, we strolled to the local shops for a fresh grapefruit juice. Debated the benefits of buying a chinchilla fur coat (what can I say - it was an air conditioned shop....), walked to Turkey's famous Grand Bazaar to find it closed for the Eid festival. Bliss - able to take a photo of the main entrance without a soul in sight. Met a jew...