Bazaars and the Hagia Sophia

Pushing strollers throughout the steep cobblestone streets of Istanbul wasn't the smoothest way to travel but then you see this and forget how you even got there.

The Hagia Sophia a former Orthodox church, later a mosque and now a museum located directly across from the Blue Mosque in my last post.  The Blue Mosque was commissioned by the Sultan Ahmet to compete with amazing beauty of the Hagia Sophia.

Inside was just as stunning.

The most extraordinary tiny mosaics I have ever seen covered the walls, most with gold backgrounds.  Here are some of the most famous ones, you aren't allowed to use a flash because the light damages the color in the tiles.

 Empress Zoe

 Lost tiles after several earthquakes.

Harlow was running and twirling around the place.

 St Gregory's Miracle column, or also known as the sweating column.  Legend has it if you place your finger inside, make a wish and it comes out wet your wish will come true.  My finger was wet :)

Awwww now on to where we spent 90 percent of our time in Istanbul, THE BAZAARS!!!
The Grand Bazaar and the Spice Bazaar were my favorite part obviously because I love to shop but also it was like searching for treasure in these massive markets.

 

 I did purchase a little boho bag like these.

So, so, I repeat so much jewelry it made my head spin.  I was like a small child with ADD after days of searching and haggling I finally purchased a gorgeous amber ring and pair of silver earrings.  I wish I had more money and more time.  I would take a picture of them but we've managed to break the camera and my iphone, when I say we, I mean Harlow and Jason :)

Scarves galore, I bought several for Jason, and our moms.

Spices and teas, check out the Love tea made of tiny roses.

The Entrance to the Spice Bazaar

Istanbul was so charming and the energy was so vibrant I really enjoyed my time there.  Here are a couple random photos of the city.

Ice cream man look on the end of his pole, his show was awesome so we had to buy the ice cream but ah, it didn't taste so good.

LOVED this house, can you see the laundry hanging perfectly on the second story balcony?

Ducks!!!

Harlow after a cat attacked her in a carpet shop.

Speaking of cats, there a millions of cats in Istanbul, cats EVERYWHERE!

Cat attacking Harlow

So pretty

How many cats can you find in this picture? ps that yellow building is The Four Seasons

sleeping beauty

ok, ok OK no more pictures of cats!

So much shopping, culture and art I was sad to go home, but Harlow missed her Daddy.

Home

xoxoxo

Diamonds are a girls best friend

While the crew was working nights Maria and I decided to take the kids and fly to Istanbul, Turkey for a couple days.  After flipping through a guide book I was sold that it would be a crime to visit Turkey and not see Istanbul.

So, so glad we did!!!

We spent the first day at Topkapi Palace which was the primary residence for Ottoman Sultans for over 400 years.  The property over looks the sea and is breathtaking.

Harlow and I standing at the entrance, yes I was embracing the culture.

Look at all these beautiful dogs guarding the palace.  Ohhh I wanted that white one on the right but he was too cool for me!

View of the Sea.

Topkapi Palace is now a museum and the first I've ever been to where my mouth was open "ooooohhhhhing, ahhhhhhhhing and wooooowwing" the entire time.  Seriously!  The palace houses the largest collection of jewels I've ever laid eyes on.  The Ottoman treasures were covered in rubies, diamonds, emeralds and pearls. 

I love this, so pretty

This giant bed is where the Sultan was presented to guests.  I could just imagine him in his silk robes sitting there, maybe he'd be eating grapes?  

 Fountain

 Harlow

Remember those jewels I was talking about in the museum earlier?  Well ever seen an 86 karat diamond before?  I have and it was mind blowing!!!  They won't let you take photos but I found some online, it's surrounded by 49 large diamonds.  It's referred to as the Spoonmaker Diamond because legend is the guy that found it thought to was a piece of glass and sold it for 3 spoons.  Honestly I could have stood there all day and starred at it. Glorious!!

All the jewelry was stunning most of the precious gems were uncut and mounted that way which made each piece so interesting.  They had a glass box filled to rim with uncut green emeralds, if only they'd let me have just one? 

Across the street from the Palace was the Blue Mosque which is just incredible, so much so that every time I laid eyes on it I was compelled to take another picture.

I'm told that it has the most prayer towers out of any mosque.

Inside after you take off your shoes...

So intricate

Maria and me.

This was my favorite part, "Harlow, look up."

She just kept saying "Wow mommy!"  

Being able to see all these different parts of the world have been so amazing, but being able to see them through her eyes, there are no words.

I only have one more week left in Europe, but stay tuned for more Istanbul, Berlin and Romania posts.  Hopefully I can post them all before I return.