Return to Istanbul

      We started out today by flying from Kayseri back to Istanbul, where we began our trip. We went to visit the Blue Mosque, which is across from the Haggia Sophia. Though this was a different experience from the Sophia because it is actually a functioning mosque, not a museum. The girls had to put hoods or scarves over their heads and everyone had to take off the shoes before entering the holy place. Inside the mosque it was beautiful, with different blue-colored tiles and patterns adorning the walls. There were still some men praying on the main floor, and some women in the back.
       Next we went to the Topkapi Palace, the home of the sultans. There we saw all the treasures of the palace and some of the sultan's clothes. There were so many things that were covered in diamonds, rubies, emeralds, and other precious stones. There were cups, bowls, flasks, bow case and quiver, swords, daggers, thrones, and other decorations. Every single one was covered in gems and looked very expensive. We were in awe of how much these sultans owned and wondered how much of this stuff one person actually needed. Especially the prized piece, the sultan's dagger, with three large emeralds (the sign of the sultan) on the hilt. It was very elaborate. The sultan's clothes were all in one room, and those were also elaborate, with colors and patterns. The sultan lived very large back in the day with everything he had!
      The last thing we did for the day was visit the Grand Bazaar. It covers about 65 streets, but we only went to a few. There were many sections with all different items from souvenirs to jewelry, clothes, and books. It was fun to experience the culture of the bazaar, and a few of us had fun bargaining with the merchants about the prices of items. And thankfully we didn't get lost there, we made it out with little problem!