@sweetsssj - Wow - Turkey!! I was in Turkey in September 2015 in Instambul and Ankara. Istambul airport, as you correctly mentioned has very few duty free shops. It's up and down levels are a bit confusing depending on your flight terminal though. I also have the same picture of the mosaic with pigeons!!. From the first few photos of your blog, I recognized that you are in the Asian part of Istambul, very near to Blue Mosque (because of the tram rails) and sure enough, it turned out to be correct. This is the best part of town to stay for visiting the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia. The Islamic heritage of the mosques is just breathtaking as you correctly mention. The dogs and cute cats are ever present and I loved to pet them (though my wife kept scolding me). Oh and a very cute Steemit T-Shirt by the way! I especially like the anime girl picture on the back - looks like you? I think you will have a grand time in Istambul since it is a mix of European and Asian culture, separated by the Bosphorous. Please do take a cruise on the Bosphorous. Wishing you a great time in Turkey and Istambul in particular.
Cheers. Upvoted.
If you find time during your busy schedule in Istambul, I request you to visit my recent blogs - You may like one with Elephant encounter GIFs and a Double Rainbow! As always, your comments and feedback will be very welcome. Thanks
thank you vm2904, it's so nice to hear about your own travels to Turkey, with so many mutual experiences, it's a sign that Turkey truly is a mecca for travellers and accessible to all people!
As you said, I do love the mix of European and Asian culture, and it's also the reason why I decided to stay near the old town next to the Hagia Sophia, I seem to remember however that it is located on the West side of the Bosphorous and therefore is the European side and not Asian side. Do correct me if i'm wrong though!
As always I have time to visit the blogs of my favourite people, you being one of them :)
@sweetsssj - I remember that we stayed very close to blue mosque called Lamp Hotel. A Sweet, very small and cozy place. Then we had to cross the channel on the bridge to go to European side. I could be wrong since it has been 2 years. I will check.
Do visit the Cistern and the places where several James Bond movies were filmed. Also - Taken 2 was filmed at a location in Istambul. You may want to see if you are interested.
Thanks for your encouragement as always to my blogging efforts. I look forward to your visits.