Last night the ship overnighted in Istanbul and it was a real treat to wander up on deck after dinner and see everything all lit up. We were also treated to a lightening storm which I had some minor success at catching with the camera.
While at dinner we discussed how everyone’s day had been with regards to the weather and if it had affected the tours, luckily it hadn’t although we did discover that they had not gone to the Basilica Cistern which really you would have thought the ships tours would have done. One of the family’s said they would go back in the morning and see it under their own steam and thought it would be nice to tag along too. We have already been twice before but Alex hadn’t so it seemed like a good idea.
Instead of using the trams, taxis or buses we decided to walk and without going at to faster pace managed to do it in just under an hour arriving at 9:10. While we were walking there seemed to be another storm brewing like the one yesterday. Crossing the Golden Horn bridge I took this photo.
Fortunately for us the rain only started to spot as we waited in the queue for tickets to the Cistern.
Even though it was the third time we had been we still find it quite a magical place to visit. I wouldn’t be surprised if went back again some day. When we eventually made it back to pavement level the rain had set in and it was pouring down. The decision was made to find a cafe and have a drink and some baklava while we waited to see if the weather eased off so we could walk back. It didn’t so I managed to buy a couple of umbrellas from the local traders for 20 Lira’s which were more than good enough for what we needed.
The rain did eventually ease off but not until we were nearly back to the ship. We had a fun morning despite getting rained on for the second day on the trot in Istanbul. We arrived back onboard just after 12:15pm with the ship sailing at 1:00
After a quick bite to eat in the buffet we made our way up to the Solstice Deck where we spent the rest of the afternoon in brilliant sunshine!