I’m not even sure how to start describing the amazing day we had. We walked over seven miles today according to the fitness tracker of someone in our travel group. It seemed like every time we turned a corner there was something new – well, okay, ancient – and interesting for our American eyes to see. I mean a, we have the Anasazi dwellings in the USA that are about as comparatively old as some of the things we saw here, but some of the the stuff here is still in use. No one is actually living in the Anasazi ruins. It’s mind boggling for me to think about.

First, the Hagia Sophia. Oh. My. Goodness.

Then we visited the Topkapi Palace. That place is a massive palace complex. Maybe not as big as the Forbidden City, but I’m thinking that Texas needs to step up to the challenge here. (Okay, I’m kidding.) just the kitchens here were ginormous. I hate to think about how hot they must have gotten.

By this time I was so hot and tired of sweat running into my eyes I got a little creative and came up with a way to staunch the flow. Makeup has long since left the picture.

And guess what? It’s not even noon yet! I’ve maxed out the photo limit for this one, and it’s late. Tomorrow we fly home, so I will write more to come on the airplane.