Random observations from Istanbul

* there are cats everywhere. Many appear to be strays which makes it hard to resist the temptation for some kitty time.
* Istanbul is mostly muslim but not devoutly so - for instance, you see many women in burkas or head scarfs ... though just as many aren't wearing these and dress more or less like we do in the west
* another example is that there is some openly homosexual activity going on (public handholding, gay clubs, etc)
* at the same time you hear the call out from the mosques every few hours, singing and inviting people to prayer
* I'm pretty taken with the architecture within the mosques and palaces... If anyone knows where to get ahold of one of the chandeliers from the Aya Sofia for my loft, please let me know.
* kebobs on the street are *the* way to go