Day 1 continued

Managed to keep awake all day by wandering around the immediate vicinity of our accommodation. Spent some time at the Grand Bazaar, but the pushy salesmen did not mesh well with tired tourists - so we left. Got our bearings around the old city precinct and tried some turkish delight and baklava.

Wandered through the Hippodrome (see photo), past the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia but did not go in because our tour includes those sites.

Had a very early evening meal, intrigued by the passing crowd; the industrious trolley and barrow pushers who seem to move a lot of goods stacked high on handcarts; plus about 30 riot police in full gear staked out in front of the university across from our hotel. Could not see the reason - seemed like a lot of sabre-rattling and grand-standing. The police just packed up and moved about 5.30pm. Perhaps they weren't on overtime?

Major adjustment in temperature from 29 degrees in Coffs when we left to 6 degrees in Istanbul. Needed a few layers.

Off to bed for an early night so our body clocks can adjust.