Hagia Sophia

For our first day in Istanbul we visited the Hagia Sophia, which is a museum which used to be a Greek Othodox Basilicia & then an imperial mosque. It is absolutely beautiful & magnificent, but not the most wheelchair accessible of places (but we made it work).

Going for an early morning walk, checking out the Hagia Sophia :-)

Graffiti from the Knights Templar during the 7th crusade (crosses painted over Islamic Art)

There is a mix of Greek Orthodox Icons and Islamic religious art. 

Norse Graffiti from the 9th century

Connor & Kierryn pushed Hannah in her wheelchair up a VERY steep slippery ramp to get to the 2nd level. Without them on the trip, it would have been impossible for the rest of us to get her up to the really interesting gallery :-)

But getting to the top was totally worth it!!! Where else will you see 9th century Norse graffiti & get to hang out with your sister???

Apparently the ramp is not suitable for wheelchairs - but this sign is at the end of the bottom ramp, after you have braved the death defying up and down ramps.... But the warning is there :-p

A celebratory beer :-)

Fresh pomegranate juice

A new hat for the COLD weather. It is fur, we hope not made out of one of the many friendly Istanbul cats.