Autumn in Istanbul

The Blue Mosque

Istanbul may seem an unlikely meeting place for family who live in Bosnia, Canada and London but that's where we met the other Mattus last week. Istanbul is one of my favourite cities because of the beautiful buildings, hectic streets, mix of modern and old, great food. At first thought, not top of the list for an easy trip with small kids but it was, in reality, great fun.

We all rented flats round the corner from each other, spent lots of time together and explored the city en masse. Here we are having a break in the Spice Bazaar.

Apple tea, Turkish coffee and formula

The kids played well together with the Blue Mosque and Topkapi Palace as their backdrop. I wonder if they will like travelling when they're older?

Who cares about history when there is a puddle: Kirin with his cousins Yash and Suran

Malik soaking up the atmosphere

Other higlights: Hagia Sofia, the view from our balcony across the Bosphorus to mosques and Topkapi, the court yard of the Blue Mosque at dusk, Kirin and Suran dressing up as the king and queen of Istanbul (with belly dancing accessories), Chandra's first birthday cake (everyone loves chocolate!).

Chandra, Malik and I check out the fruit and veg truck

Amazingly none of us bought any carpets or Turkish delight but we did eat a lot of kebabs.