Basilica Cistern, Istanbul

Had a mini siesta before venturing out once more
Weaving through traffic, past multiple sweet stores.
Pomegranate, rose and pistachios in triangular piles
Sugar coated Turkish Delight usually produced smiles.

The Basilica Cistern was on our list to must see
Knowing we’d have to pay the inflated tourist fee!
Descended down where many Byzantine columns of old
Support the cistern built to sustain sieges, so stories told.

Medusa and other sculptors add interesting art
Too soon it was closing time, we had to depart.
Gluten free pizza directed us to our place to eat
As Turkish life effortlessly spills out onto the street.Read more