It's been 10 years since I was in Istanbul

We sleep in a little after our massive trip to Gallipoli. Our hotel has such a great view as the breakfast room is on the top floor and I can see the the boat traffic which is very heavy on the Bosphorus. Let me tell you about a Turkish breakfast. Its consists of fresh cucumber, tomato, boiled eggs, several types of olives and a wonderful selection of cheeses. You have sweet little biscuits and cakes and then they bring out hot Boreks filled with cheese. I head out to get a cappuccino fix to start the day, as it's best for all concerned. Today we head off to Hague Sophia which used to be a Christian church and then it became a mosque. The roof is a bright yellow with lots of lovely frescoes. We have to put our thumb in this hole and try and turn it anti clockwise in one go. I think it's meant to be good luck, or perhaps some great footage for "funniest home videos". It's now a museum and it's beautiful. I have a simit with cream cheese while we walk, which is like a king size skinny bagel with sesame seeds - it's really delicious. We then head to the Blue Mosque and it's so lovely as it has these low hanging lights and the reason the call it the Blue Mosque is the lovely blue tiles, some 20,000 of them. I start to remember my time here last time. Here we all have to wear our scarves, and Booka and I have to wear wrap around skirts to cover our knees as my skirt and her shorts are not long enough. Wait until you see the photos. The men wash themselves out the front before praying. The women can pray, but not with the men, as it's separated. Their space is so much smaller which is hard to take. I see a young boy of 8 all dressed in traditional clothing and a wonderful hat. He is with his Dad and looks quite happy with himself. I later find out this is his circumcision ceremony. He may not have been for the snip as yet!! We then move on to the Cistern which is this amazing underground water supply. They have two big stones of Medusa in there. They also have this fantastic dress up section of Sultans and headdress and gowns. Of course I convince Mum and Booka to dress up in them. Booka was a tad disappointed as she wanted to be a Sultan and she had to make do with being a Sultana!! George and Max, Nannie has the photo, so please have a look, as you will laugh so much. We get the most crazy taxi ride over to Taksim square as I head to a meeting. The driver slams on the brakes, and as it's been raining, we of course slide and I'm a nervous wreck. I hook up with Mum and Booka later on and they are overwhelmed as much as I am, as this place is pumping on a Sunday with thousands of people. We have a quick bite to eat and then we go to a place that I went to 10 years ago called "Inci Pastanesi" - it's famous for its chocolate profiteroles. They have about 20 bowls fresh on the counter covered with chocolate sauce. You just simply eat them quickly and move on, so others can enjoy this heavenly desert. Melinda, you would have loved it. We catch a funicular and a tram and find our way home, and we are quite happy with ourselves. It's so nice to see Booka enjoying Turkey, as this has been such a dream of hers to come.