Our first trip into Istanbul.

Istanbul is a huge city, with a leg in Europe and a leg in Asia and a narrow strait called the Bosphorous in between. We will ride a tour bus and circle the European side. North, cross above the Golden Horn, follow the land-side defensive walls, and return along the Sea of Marmara to the center of the old city.

We will visit two mosques, and the former-church-former-mosque-now-museum, Hagia Sophia. Our impression is that the economy is doing better here. Lots of well tended gardens in public spaces. Lots of greenery. Well maintained monuments. Families out picnicking. Lots of construction going on. Clean streets. Newish cars.

So here’s a quick bus ride around the European side of Istanbul.