Istanbul's a riot, literally... and I love it!

Okay, so the 'really bad pollution' burning my eyes and nose hair was really tear gas drift, but every city has its drawbacks. While the Taksim Square protests required a quick change of plans, there is little not to love about Istanbul. Yesterday I visited Hagia Sophia -- saw the upstairs viking marble-carved graffiti which was a bucket list item (got to love  8thc bored Nordic bodyguards); the Archaeological Museum (so I'm a Hittite nerd, but their lions are toooo cute); and the blue mosque.There is something wonderful about a religion that sings its followers to prayer, syren-like.  The city is a breathtaking mix of centuries. Maybe its the armed military posted everywhere, but Istanbul is safe, welcoming and gracious. As I write I'm overlooking ancient fortified walls and cobbled stone streets... and don't get me started on the sweets. Off to Topaki Palace, the Basilica cistern and science museum today xxx B