Day 2: Bosphorus Cruise and Ankara, Turkey - Mausoleum of Ataturk

Day 2:

After an early morning cruise on the Bosphorus, we headed for the capital of Ankara to visit the mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk- the First President and the Father of Turkey.  

A fortress built in 1452 by Sultan Mehmet the conqueror

After our cruise, we drove on the mausoleum in Ankara. 

Steps leading to the mausoleum were purposely made this way.  You're forced to look down so you don't trip, but at the same time you are keeping your head bowed as you approach the Mausoleum of Ataturk.

Views of Ankara from the Mausoleum

Traveling in Turkey

I just arrived from my honeymoon in Turkey - a 10 day whirlwind in which we visited Istanbul, Ankara, Cappadocia, Pamukkale, Kudasi, Troy, Gallipoli, and cities in between.  I was a little apprehensive about coming here when all the political turmoil in Syria was making headline news, but I'm so glad I carried on and flew to this AMAZING country. Turkey has many UNESCO World Heritage Sites and it was humbling to have an opportunity to visit a few of them as well as their many other ancient sites.

Having visited Italy in 2009, I thought I knew what the definition of ancient was.  But in Turkey, ancient is more like 5000 BC.  What surprised me the most was how much ingenuity people had in 3000 - 5000 BC. I saw armory and intricate, embroidered costumes - it was just mind-blowing.

Below are pictures from our tour of Istanbul.

The Blue Mosque- just unbelievably spectacular

The Blue Mosque

Topaki palace

Topaki palace

Topaki palace

Views of Istanbul from terraces of the Topaki Palace

Hagia Sophia Cathedral - unfortunately the pictures don't do justice

The madness of the Grand Bazaar - we were told that the Spice Market is a lot better, though smaller in size.  Sadly we didn't have the time to visit.

Views of Istanbul from the Conrad Hilton hotel.