Istanbul Finale

Our exploration continued and was equally enjoyable.

Taksim Square:

Preparing a new doner kebap:

Gulhane Park:
I never associated tulips with Istanbul, but they were everywhere and they were gorgeous.

And another gorgeous sight.  It brings tears to my eyes.  My favorite lady in Istanbul:


Galata Tower:

Views from the top of the tower:

We grabbed a yummy fish sandwich on/under the Galata Bridge:

Then hopped on this beauty for a boat tour (the bigger one in the back, thankfully not the little fishing boat):

The tour took us up toward the Black Sea:

Views from the water:

Dolmabahce Mosque:

Rumeli and Anatolian Fortresses with FSM bridge in the background:

Then we stopped on the Asian Side for a lunch of fresh fish:

And of course we had to climb to Yoros Castle:

Our reward was a view of the Black Sea in the distance:

Back on land, we relaxed with a Turkish bath (how cool is the gentleman carrying bread on his head?):

Happy birthday Sam and Laurie!  You guys are the bomb.com.