We like Istanbul

Yesterday we did a bit of touring around... the Blue Mosque, the New Mosque, the Spice Market, the Cisterns, and walked quite a bit (including across the bridge into Asia). We also found a better place to stay (yeah!) The Blue Mosque had a surprisingly light feel and had a good vibe... very beautiful (and free!) - we enjoyed just sitting there for a while watching the people. I hope we have a chance to go back. The Blue Mosque also looks amazing at night. The Cisterns were OK (I thought they were a bit boring, but Tim liked them - seeing the Medustha's head was cool), and the New Mosque also OK. We enjoyed the market (with real people - not tourists) near the bridge across from the Spice Market (you can get lots of good food here for about $3 or $4 for a nice sandwich from a street vendor). I also really like the sour & salty yoghurt drink (called something which begins with A). Today we went to Tokapi (sp?) Palace - wow, very amazing. Wish we had brought food and stayed all day. We went back to my fav. eating market for more cheap food, tried to go to the Grand Bazaar (but it was closed), and checked out a few Turkish baths... will try the Cagalogu Hamani tomorrow which will be a treat (its 300 years old with lots of ambience). The hostel we have moved to is very very nice, but we have to leave on Tuesday unless we find another place. We still like Turkey very much... people are polite and gentle... no one has tried to rip us off though they could use some German organizational skills I think ;^)