Yesterday we had the chance to sail along the Bosphorus Strait. This was one of the most interesting experiences for me since coming to Istanbul. Knowing that this was one of the most important waterways in the world, taking oil from the Black Sea to the Aegean and eventually the Mediterranean. Knowing that is such a politically important location made the trip that much more intriguing to me. And the funny thing is once we were in there, you didn’t notice it. It was just a regular old boat ride. Although it rained, and there were some choppy waters at times, it was a wonderful experience.
Seeing Istanbul from the Coast I got a sense of the sheer size of the city. Having an estimated population of around 15 million people, Istanbul stands as one of the biggest cities in the world. Along the way we passed under the Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge, which we were told is the seventeenth longest suspension bridge in the world, and a number of former sultans palaces, which I am looking to put an offer in on soon. Our first stop was Rumelihisarı, a fortress built by Ottoman Sultan Mehmet II. Within 20 minutes we were sailed over to the Asian side of Istanbul (parts of the city are geographically both in Europe and Asia). With that five minute visit we were able to say we traveled to two continents in a day!
On that we began our return trip to solid land. On the way Chris took control of our boat for a little while as we sailed through the Strait. Glad to say we made it back in one piece and dry! Most of us at least.
The next day we tested our bargaining skills at the Grand Bazaar. I have been told I am pretty good at it. Becca and Lindsey even asked me to help them with a couple purchases!
Goodbye from Europe! Or Asia?
