First days in Istanbul

Arrived in Istanbul very early and had to get our way to the hotel. Opted for shuttle. It was way too early for check-in but we were well looked after with tea and breakfast. We walked for an hour or so and then with our room ready had a refreshing shower and nap to recover from the 26 hours of flying. It was then time to explore. We walked through a bazaar, through the hippodrome, walked past the impressive Blue Mosque and found the City Tour bus. Always a good way to get the lay of the land. It was interesting to see the Asian side of the city, which is a bit less touristy. We then walked back to our hotel via the mini mart and had a refreshing ale on the balcony of our penthouse room. Dinner was at an excellent fish restaurant where we selected our dinner form a range of fish put before us! It was delicious! Sunday we breakfasted and headed out to see the Hagia Sofia and the Basilica cisterns. On our way we met a like able lad who advised us that while it was possible to easily get into the cistern, we would not enjoy the Hagia with so many people about. The queue was about. 200m long. He was very chatty and suggested we go to the cistern and he would meet us after and take us to his uncles for coffee and to look at the carpets they sell. We assured him we would not be buying anything but he insisted that there was no pressure. We actually had a lovely time, coffee and a chat to an interesting and well travelled carpet seller. I then persuaded KB to hand over some euros so I could have a Turkish bath at a very old and lavish (apparently the sultan's dating back to 1600)haman. It was a sublime experience. Scrubbed and massaged on marble slabs, it was something special. KB also coughed up for similar on the men's side. We had a kebab for lunch. After a rest we tackled the Hagia Sofia. Words cannot describe this building. I have never seen anything quite as spectacular. The photos we took would not do it justice! Home for a cleansing and dinner down the road! Tour starts tomorrow, can't wait....this place is amazing!!