Sightseeing under 105 degrees

       If I knew today was going to be the hottest day of the year maybe I wouldn't have planned this many things on the agenda. Kamer came and picked us up to show Hotel Amira. We had a nice breakfast at Amira as Kamer was showing all the old town must-see locations. The moment we left the hotel we were welcomed by the humidity that I don't remember experiencing for years. Ellen said before she saw Istanbul that she loves heat and humidity is not an issue at all. Today she have changed her view:)

With my cousin Kamer at his hotel Amira

We started with visiting small Hagia Sofia mosque which was the first church in Istanbul completed in 527.

Small Hagia Sofia aka first church of Istanbul

View from Sultan's Palace

We went to Topkapi Palace, where the Ottoman Sultans lived lavishly for many years. Just to get into Topkapi we waited for half hour under the burning heat. Getting inside the treasure collection of Ottomans we had a hard time breathing. The place is truly an amazing site and the Istanbul view is amazing from the Sultan's room.






We went to Basilica Cistern, the underground water system that Ellen couldn't believe what she was seeing. Medusa monuments were just great.

Basilica Cistern - Underground water system

Later we saw the Hagia Sofia which always takes me back in time. Knowing that once Pagans, Romans, Byzantines, and Turks lived there is just an unbelievable fact.

Breathtaking Hagia Sofia

We met up with Kamer to visit Sofa antique store near grand bazaar. Also our famous cousin Sevan Bicakci's store in where we saw his unique Jewelery collection in the vault. At grand bazaar Ellen got some amazing bags for nearly a tax money. We surely need to come back to grand bazaar on our last night.

First mall of the world - Grand Bazaar est. 1491

At night it was the reunion night with Burak, Omer and their girls. 6 of us had a great night and it was a great nostalgia moment for me. I guess we grew up now being 30 years old and being in serious relationships. Seems like Omer could be the first to depart the bachelor boat:) we'll see. All three girls were awesome and they got along as well. They both will visit me us in SF soon I hope. I am truly a lucky guy having friends like this. Life is good, man!!