This part of our journey started yesterday afternoon sailing through the Dardanelles Straight.  Very interesting as the European side to the left was more mountainous and covered in trees while the Asian side to the right flat and as green as Ireland.  Then this morning we woke to a magnificent sunrise arriving in Istanbul right where the two continents meet.

We docked with a perfect view of both sides of Istanbul.  Interesting city and a study in chaos.  Massively populated, terrible traffic yet altogether interesting and unique.  Some random shots.

We of course elected a food tastings tour of local cuisine.  It in and of itself what chaotic in its choices and order…started with Turkish baklava and something made of rose and nuts (delicious but sticky).

Followed by an ear of corn and chestnuts…yes that is correct.  This appears to be a very popular street food everywhere we went in this city.

Next up what an Islak burger (or what is known as an Instanbul wet burger).  You see the meat there and then it the burger is quickly soaked inside and out in a garlicky tomato sauce.  Actually really good.

This was followed by Turkish ice cream and rice pudding.  Good but odd placement in the order.

After a stroll we had a sit down.

This stop was for a beef/lamb kebab with Turkish tea…this was so good.

Another street food interlude with the Turkish bagel.  Yummy.  Then a stroll to another sit down.

Next up our seafood course.  Rice stuffed mussels and a spicy sandwich of lamb intestines. The sandwich was one of our favorites.

And finally our last stop for for mezze and a liquor that I did not care for (licorice).

Fun day.  A few last shots…