For our first full day here we caught the tram to the Blue Mosque and wandered around reading the information about the building and Islam. Kath and I donned our headscarves but we rounded the corner to be confronted by a queue an hour long so we didn't see inside. Later in the day we tried at the New Mosque but this time it was shut for prayer! Interesting fact learnt today; before megaphones 16 men used to climb up to the balconies on each minaret to do the call to prayer in all directions.

We walked through the Spice Bazaar which was wonderful - the sights and smells. The power went off when we were deep inside and we were plunged into darkness. I grabbed hold of Martin and got Kath to stick with us - she has had plenty of stares from the men here and I admit I was worried about her welfare in the dark.

The highlight of the day was a visit to the Basilica Cistern complete with huge fish swimming in the water, eerie music and the mysterious inclusion of two large Medusa heads at the base of 2 columns - one upside down and one turned to the side.