Tuesday, September 29, 2015

Day 8: Between Europe and Asia

Early this morning we sailed through the Dardanelles which is a narrow strait that separates Europe from Asia (Greece from Turkey).  We got up early to listen to a historian describe the Battle of Gallipoli (Greece) where the allies tried to attack Germany through a back door in W.W.I.  It did not go well for Australia, New Zealand and Great Britain.  In the afternoon we docked in Istanbul and headed for the world famous Grand Bazaar.  There are 4000 stalls in the Grand Bazaar.  Everything was on sale such as Rolex Watches which started at 40 Euros but were quickly reduced to 10 Euros ($12 US).  You negotiate for everything in the Bazaar. 

The Turks were some of the original carpet weavers but because they were nomads, they ended up sharing their talent with many people in the Middle East.  We spent time watching some carpet weavers (see photo).  These two women had been working on the same carpet for three years.
Only 2 of 4000 stalls in the Grand Bazaar

Carpet Weaving is a tedious business.

Do I need to tell you that this is a belly dancer?


When we got back to the boat…because we were in Istanbul, we were treated to Turkish music and belly dancers.  Personally I liked the belly dancers better.

2 comments:

  1. You and I share the same likes, will a belly dance fit in a samsonite?. Might want to try. ..lol.
    1/2 way done, I am sure it's going to be difficult to return home. But then again,There's no place like home.

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  2. Thanks, I am truly enjoying your adventure, almost as much as you. Esp loved the Zorba dance Mike!

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