Ayasofya

Today was again a very busy and exciting day. Just a little information on our guides: Tuna, Arzu, and Emre have been helping us since the beginning of our trip. Arzu and Emre have been alternating days teaching us Turkish. All three have taken our group out for tours. They’re all very helpful and friendly. They are always willing to answer our persistent questions, no matter how ridiculous. Here was what we did today:

• Woke up at 0700 and had breakfast at the hotel
• Third language lesson and guest speaker Naval Officer over military assignments overseas
• Gondola ride over Turkish cemetery to top of overlook of city. Absolutely gorgeous view of Istanbul! Played backgammon at the top of the hill
• Lunch at restaurant on European side (döner, lentle, watermelon,fanta, rice, salad)
• Visit to the Hagia Sofia (Ayasofya). At one point in history the largest church in the world. Originally a Christian church, then mosque, now a museum. Amazing dome and mosaics
• Shopping at very modern, upscale shopping mall. Dinner with students (chicken sandwich, birthday cake, turkish coffee, peach fruit smoothie)

Right now I have taken over 340+ pictures with my digital camera…