Istanbul_1st day ; Blue mosque and Aya Sofya

Mar. 22nd. 2007. Rainy day

To Istanbul (via Singapore) from Korea

" Blue Mosque -> AYA Sofya -> Yerebatan "

Arrived in Istanbul, Turkey at 7:30 am. Rainy day. A man who was pick us up from the airport to the hotel called me " *Kong* (-> Kang T-T)". My surname is "Kang."

The hotel that I booked on the Internet was so fantastic! The place looked like an Arabian palace. Wine-colored wall, many beautiful Turkish lamps (pls see the pictures!) and not forgetting the delicious breakfast! (I love Turkey's cheese and olives!)

We rested in our room for a while after breakfast. Then we made dropped by Grand Bazaar to get some change. But, our real destination was the "Blue mosque!"

So we walked towards the"Blue mosque". However, we didn't know the direction and it was raining. We were also a bit nervous as we were trying to take good care of our wallets. But actually, there was really no need for us to worry.. (Anyway, always take care of your things.)

Anyway, we arrived at the Blue Mosque. (The entrance fee was free! // ~15:30 PM -in winter season)The beutiful and grand blue mosaic tiles inside in the mosque are mesmerising!! (I suggest that you see on a sunny day.)

There were marble pillars and a gold mosaic tile with bible scriptures engraved on them in AYA SOFYA(532~537). (10YTL per 1ps.//~17:00 -in winter season) I was so amazed by the huge pillars and the floor. The pillar's size was nearly the same as that of an adult.!We came to realise how spectacular it was. It was more grand than the Blue Mosque. No wonder it is called "the greatest building in architectural history"

Yerebatan Sarnici(http://www.yerebatan.com/) (10YTL per 1ps.//~17:30 - in winter season) There was enough to look around for 30 minutes. Although it was cold, it was still an interesting place (when we visited Yerebatan Sarnici, it was a very cold day as it was raining). Nobody knows what this place was used for. It could have been an underground palace or a storage reservoir.

** Exchange money (2007.03.22)

EU50 -> YTL 90 (at Hotel) : EU 500 -> YTL 921(1.842) (at the Grand Bazar. Here was the cheapest privit shop in Istanbul. Never change a near the tram station! )

**korea WON= YTL * (about) 700

- The Blue Mosque fee: free

- The Aya Sofya : 20 YTL(2person)

- The Yerebatan : 20 YTL(2person)

- Dinner : 42 YTL(2person)

- Express Bus fee to Selchuk (AYDIN): 80YTL(2person)