Grand Bazaar on the right, university grounds on the left w/ Fire Tower. This alley was a myriad of small shops.
Believe it or not, this is the short cut to The Spice Bazaar neighborhood. Turn right just ahead, walk down about 40 stairs, then left, and The Spice Bazaar neighborhood is directly ahead! The Grand Bazaar is about 6 blocks directly behind from here.
Closeup of the halfway point. A little destitute in appearance, but no safety issues.
More shops as one closes in on The Spice Bazaar. This neighborhood offered the best deals and you'll notice from the prevelance of head scarves in the pictures, is shopped by more by locals.
Closing in on The Spice Bazaar.
The Spice Bazaar!
Alas, my camera didn't do this display justice.
Galata Tower, enjoying the sun and mostly clear skies...
The fancy boats on the immediate left, are actually home to fish grills, with each boat having one setup.
Better shot of the grillers at work onboard the boat. Notice the barrels on the left with condiments on top; buy your lunch at the rail and then sit on a barrel to consume.
Missed the front animal in this picture...
3-boat, Galata Tower shot!!!
The bottom of the bridge on the right are restaurants.
View towards The Bosphorus Bridge, with Europe on the left, and Asia on the right.