Our dogs are tired today. The day started a little funky as we were still adjusting to the time zone. We went first to the Grand Bizarre through Gate 1 (of 21gates). There are 4000 shops. Yes you read that right. We saw jewelry, leather, rugs, tea sets, scarves, and my favorite the mosaic lamps. I worked with the owner of the store to design an 11 globe chandelier, and best yet they are shipping it home for me. We didn’t get to see the finished product, because it’s being built. Mom bought an iPad carpet case that she successfully haggled down in price from 50 lira to 30. Even in just one day were honing our haggling skills.

We ate some Turkish food at a small outdoor cafe and had borek a layered pastry with cheese, Turkish tea and a mini pizza. Last night we tried Ayron which is a watered down yogurt drink and was disgusting. It’s been a culinary adventure already. Tomorrow night is seafood in Kumicapi.

In the afternoon we took a cruise on the Bosphorus. There were only 25 people on the tour, and we were on the English and Spanish tour. There were Germans, Italians, Iranians with us. We started at the Golden Horn, went up the European side first and saw the Ottoman palaces, such as Dolmabahce, Beylerbei up to the Rumeli Fortress. Then we crossed over to the Asian side which is more residential. The houses on the water were beautiful.

After the cruise we took a bus to Pierre Loti Hill which was named after a French writer who lived in Istanbul. This was not overly exciting, but a pretty place to take photos.

Then since the bus driver was willing to drop us at the Spice Bizarre, and were feeling adventurous we spent over an hour walking through this crowded place. I have to admit, since we were by ourselves, and not sure where to go, we went headed to our left. While walking though the stalls, we saw big plastic jugs with leeches for sale, pigeons in cages, chickens, some seeds for sale, and we’re surprised when the birds would dive down and eat a few things that looked like seeds. Maybe we wouldn’t buy any spices. That’s when we realized the burlap bags were filled with dog and cat food. We were in the pet section…thank allah.

The Bizarre was a little overwhelming, crowded, but incredible. There were many other things than just spices like dried fruit, nuts, candy, jewelry, Turkish delights, and souvenir shops. Maybe we shouldn’t have gone at rush hour. We bought some very interesting spices that some of you will be subjected to trying. Its day 2 and I’m already concerned about how much my luggage will weigh especially since we know leather, pottery, olive oil and rugs will be found in other places we’ll be visiting.