Favorite Corners - Istanbul

We almost didn't visit Istanbul.  Days before we were scheduled to arrive, a suicide bombing occurred on Istiklal street which was near where we were planning to stay.  After some serious discussions, we still decided to go.  The day of our flight from Chania to Athens (where we would then take a connecting flight to Istanbul), a sandstorm arrived from Africa grounding all morning flights.  And then the strong winds came.  We decided that if we missed our connecting flight to Istanbul, we would just stay in Athens.  However, the skies cleared, the winds calmed, and despite being a hour late, we managed to make our flight to Istanbul.  We are so glad we did.

Galata Tower and some pretty awesome graffiti.

Boats and buildings lining the Bosporus.

Ah...Turkish ice cream.  One of my favorite treats. 

In front of The Grand Bazaar, one of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world, although shops seem to trickle outside of this area all the way south to the Spice Market.

Visiting Topkapi palace to see how the sultans lived, as well as an 89 carat diamond, the sword of David, and the staff of Moses. 

Rockin' out with a lion at Topkapi palace. 

Cats are everywhere in Istanbul.  This bold little kitty was hoping we'd share our lunch.

The eerily beautiful Basilica Cistern.  It's even more eerie if you've read Dan Brown's Inferno. 

A stunning sarcophagus from the Istanbul Archaeological Museum. 

The tag says it all.

Glazed brick dragon panel from the Processional Way to Babylon's Ishtar Gate.

A perfect end to our time in Istanbul.