Sokollu Mehmet Pasha Mosque

We wandered about Istanbul visiting museums and mosques; they are everywhere and the call to prayers 5 times a day are in stereo, but not coordinated in words or sounds, and in competition in who can be the loudest. It's a cacophony of sounds and not at all pleasant, particularly at 5 a.m.! We walked over the bridge and visited a church where a Sunday service was happening. What was alarming was the police presence and when asked, they replied to keep a presence in case of trouble. 🤯 As we walked along the streets, stenciled on the roads were the words, "Israel terrorists", "Israel baby killers". Later, as Bob and I came back to the plaza near the Blue Mosque, there was a protest against Israel occurring. Of course there were police with machine guns; it was peaceful, albeit loud. It's the first and only bit of what's happening in the world we've seen so far.
Kathie and I enjoyed a Turkish bath experience while Bob and Larry went to an art museum. Kathie and I got the better deal! It was wonderful being scrubbed, bubbled, massaged and fluffed. I asked to have my wrinkles scrubbed away, but sadly, miracles are not part of the experience! Revived and refreshed, we met the fellows on time and had Turkish treats then visited more of Istanbul.Read more