Istanbul is a city on two continents. Here we are standing in Europe, looking at Asia. They are joined here by a bridge built in 1972. In the 7th century BC, this was Byzantium, then it was renamed Constantinople, by Emperor Constantine in the 4th century AD. The Ottomans called it Istanbul, which became its official name seven years after the Turkish Republic was established in 1923.

Its population is around 8½ million.

In some ways, Istanbul is defined by its waterways. This is the Golden Horn, a natural harbor off the Bosphorous. To the south, there is the Sea of Marmara, and to the north the Black Sea.

The tower is the Galeta Tower, a landmark in the relatively modern city north of the Golden Horn.

The Spice Market includes spices, appropriately enough. In fact, the Spice Market includes all kinds of foods, and lots of things that might pass as souvenirs.

We really liked the Turkish cheeses. Even after seeing the goat cheese delivered in its own private goat skin. I doubt if the FDA would approve of this package.

The Summer Palace, built in 1853 by Sultan Abd al-Madjid, faces the Bosphorous. Its interior is a combination of Eastern and Western elegance. Unfortunately, the Ottomans were at their peak in the 16th century under Sultan Süleyman I.

This reception room is a bit more ornate than the typical living room.