August 21 Istanbul

So I've realized a step by step "and then we saw the mosque and then we had lunch and then we saw another mosque" recount of the trip is a) too time consuming for me (yes, I am aware of the irony of this statement) b) not all that interesting and c) more than 250 words is entirely to much to ask of my two busy friends who actually have jobs and who, even so, kindly happen on this page every now and then. So instead here are some shots and murmurs...
Sightseeing like pros...
The Harem, Topkapi Palace
A little arabic lesson for those who didn't know: Harem literally means women
Sightseeing with the Pro: our friend Kemal who took us on a great walking tour of the city - through the covered Bazaar, Spice Bazaar, across the Golden Horn into Galata and back to a lovely dinner.
Spice Bazaar

This is a circumcision costume. Apparently the turks don't take care of this minor detail at birth. Instead they wait until the boys are around age 9-10, which is why they must be tricked into playing King for a Day. They get presents, a party and everyone is jealous of them until the end of the day when they are driven to the hospital with dad.
That there is Ataturk and the Turkish flag at a cafe in the Covered Bazaar.
Natalie, Istanbul. (All dogs featured are contenders for Sister's upcoming Dogs of the World Calendar)
Dinner with Kemal and his childhood friend. Kemal introduced us to Raki, Turkey's answer to ouzo. It's quite nice if you like licorice and the feeling of burning in your stomach and throat when you drink. Traditionally, raki is to be taken with grilled fish, feta and melon.
Blue Mosque at night
The Blue Mosque after multiple raki