BOSPHORUS BRIDGE

ISTANBUL, TURKEY

The Bosphorus, which connects the Black Sea with the Sea of Marmara, is a very busy working waterway.

Ferries cross it constantly to connect European side cities and Asian side towns.

A cruise up the Bosphorus will pass large tankers and other working ships.

This one is passing under a modern bridge.

FOUNTAIN OF AHMED III

OTTOMAN ARCHITECTURE AND CRAFTSMANSHIP

In Sultanahmet Square, Old Town, Istanbul, Turkey.

By the way, entire Istanbul and Turkey trip was safest I've felt in years.

Go visit, the people are warm and everything is safe as hometown USA.

GRAND BAZAAR, ISTANBUL, TURKEY

Kapalı Çarşı, or Covered Market

Yes, sadly, at least half the nearly 4,000 stalls are aimed at tourists.

But the Grand Bazaar is a must see.

Go for the history.

Stop to have tea -- Turkish or apple.

Bargain with a salesperson -- the gold and silver places generally charge by weight, with a very small mark up for the craftsmanship.

Check out turkeytravelplanner.com for more insights.

RAIN DOESN'T DAMPEN SPIRITS IN HISTORIC PERA

ISTANBUL, CITY OF FABLES AND MYTHS

A light drizzle on a warm day just provides an excuse for more baklava and tea in a gold-rimmed, tulip-shaped glass on pedestrian-oriented Istiklal Caddesi

ISTANBUL, TURKEY

WALKING TO THE NOSTALGIC TRAM

The tram runs from Tünel to Taksim Square on Istiklal Caddesi