Our lap of Turkey was complete once we arrived back in Istanbul. It was nice to come back to a city I already knew because I could look forward to seeing some favorite things again, and going back to places I missed the first time around. In Istanbul, I:
Went into the Basilica Cistern, and tried to take a self portrait in the dark.
Found one Medusa head, sideways. (Look closely, she's smiling.)
Found the second Medusa head, purposefully placed upside down.
Stayed with a friend who had a cute cat named Tika.
Appreciated good color schemes.
Watched tiny bunnies eat corn on the cob, and then petted them.
Tried ayram. Didn't like it. Gave it to a cat.
Went on a walking tour of some of the city's mosques; this one was smallest.
Forgot the name of the smallest one.
Looked up at the main dome in Süleymaniye Mosque.
Looked up at one of the little domes in Süleymaniye Mosque.
Followed a well-worn path into Şehzade Mosque.
Decided my camera doesn't do Şehzade justice.
Tried to capture its magnificence again anyways.
Was happy to see people still praying in Fatih Mosque amid the scaffolding.
Was startled to see cars passing under the the Valens Aqueduct.
Observed a cat sleeping in a weird spot.
Found a fenced-in park where cats can run free!
Admired the often overlooked Million Stone.
Read a book in the sun in Gülhane Park.
Found out where cats are grown!!
Ate some Turkish delight.
Ate a durum döner.
Watched the sunset light up the Hagia Sophia.
Admired the Blue Mosque from far away.
Listened to the Call to Prayer as the sun set.
Finally saw a Kurdish Van Cat!
... And her kittens. :)
Istanbul is a busy, vibrant place with lots of rich history and culture. Turkey is an amazing country, and I would love to come back and spend even more time here someday!