Hagia Sophia framed by the entrance to the grounds of The Blue Mosque.
These mark the center of the once-standing hippodrome (a stadium for horse and chariot racing)..
Some of the outdoor dining options in the neighborhood opposite the mosques. Pricey as far as Istanbul goes. Patron waves hello.
More outdoor dining across from the mosques. Menus are posted for potential customers to view.
The next day--view from the rooftop area at breakfast of the Marmara Sea.
The view uphill. Mosque dome is being rehabbed.
One of 2 outdoor seating areas on the roof. Leave your food for too long and the seagulls will take it.
Harem's Restaurant--ate here last evening. 30 Lira for salmon, 12 Lira for 2 lemonades. Tax included. Tipping is optional; not expected, but if you feel like tipping, tip for what you feel the service is worth (according to the hotel clerk.) Live music
Harem's menu. Harem's was 1 block uphill from the hotel.
Upscale interior, though this look thru the glass fails to show it.
The main street, approximately 3 blocks uphill from the hotel. Tram stop on the right.
The tram station. It connects ultimately to the Kabatas sea port if you wait for a tram labeled "Kabatas".
Not a Prague sky! Saw waaaaay too many clouds and overcast skies there.
One of the outdoor spots photographed the night before.
Another outdoor dining area the next day.
From the start of this day I had a dust fiber residue across the lens in the shape of the sudder opening; came from the cotton fibers of my jeans' pocket. Merited a trip back to the hotel to clean the lens. Extra exercise!
The Blue Mosque obscured by a layer of dust on the lens...
Now heading back to the hotel, albeit parallel to the main strip.
Back to the mosques with a clean lens...
No sign, but I'm guessing these rocks are from something pretty dated.
Much better photos with a clean lens!