Istanbul!!!

I can't believe I finally got to visit this amazing city. Istanbul and the Ottoman empire are very much intertwined with Romanian history. Our languages have many common words, our customs are related, many dishes are similar,  and growing up I always learned and heard about the Ottoman empire.

The history and culture of this place is incredible. Where else would you see roman, byzantine, ottoman, and western european cultures, among others, all coming together? The food is amazing. The tea and coffee, the sweets, wow!!!!

We are staying in the old town and so far have visited: The Grand Bazaar, Hagia Sophia; Topkapi palace; The Hypodrome; and The Blue Mosque. Really incredible!

I'm going to post some pictures from each, starting with the incredible Hagia Sophia.

Head coverings are mandatory for women inside.