History and Spice, and Everything Nice

1/20/13
When we began this trip to Turkey, most of us were a little confused as to why we would be coming back to a city we'd already been, then staying for two days. Now it seems obvious. Istanbul is the perfect place to wrap up a visit to Turkey.
 
While yesterday we visited the Topkapi Palace and saw all the riches of the recent Ottoman empire, today we visited the Archeological Museum and saw all the richness of Turkey's history. 
 
At first we explored Ancient Messopotamia. The walls were covered with Lions and Dragons from the gates of the ancient city of Ushtar. We also saw the first written love poem, and the Hammurabi Code written out in cuniform. After that, we explored rooms upon rooms full of Greek and Roman artifacts, including several exibits just for tomb stones and sarcophagi with detailed carvings of the lives of those buried beneath them. 
 
Much of the museum held artifacts from cities we'd already explored previously, such as Troy. It felt much like a wrapping up of the entire trip.
 
Lunch today was at a Baklava shop. The main course was a noodle and meat concoction- baklava without sugar. However, it was desert that we loved the most. For those who don't know, baklava is a flaky pastry usually soaked in honey with something else in it. We had both pistachio and chocolate baklava, as well as some Turkish ice cream, a lemonade that tasted like melted sorbet, and a warm drink made of milk and cinnamon. It was the ultimate Turkish sweet experience!

After lunch, we took a trip up the Bosporus River. During the time of the Constantinople, a heavy chain was placed across the river to protect the city from attack. Now however, the river is free for traffic, and what a lovely trip it was. We saw the other side of St. Sophia and the Topkapi Palace, as well as the military training school, and a ship that was once owned by the Sultan of the Ottoman Empire. The sea breeze was refreshing, and the ride was a nice break from the walking earlier. Not to mention, the view was beautiful.
Ben got to drive the boat for a few minutes, which was probably the best part of his day, and made us all smile as well.
 
After the boat ride, it was on to the Spice market. Much smaller then the Grand Bazzar, it was only a couple streets, and was clearly where many Turkish locals did their shopping for food such as fish, spices, and candies. It was fun to again haggle for prices and talk with the friendly shop keepers, all while getting bargains on suveniers.
 
Lastly we walked through the newer part of the city and caught a tram back to the hotel. When the day was done, we were deffinately done with being around people, but it was an enjoyable experience none the less. The music was so different, and we laughed at shop names as we walked by. Other then that, the newer part of the city seemed more European then anything else, full of high fashion and toy shops.
 
Our last day in Turkey was something to remember, full of Turkish people and culture, in comparison to all the ancient history we'd explored earlier in the trip, or even earlier in the day. It was alot to take in, but certainly, a wonderful last day.