Just when we think we've seen it all...

Our second day in Istanbul began with a prompt pickup at the hotel and a drive through the city. This was pur optional day yet wr all opted to spend it together on a second city tour.

Our first stop was Chora, an 11th century Greek orthodox church converted to a mosque and now a museum. The iconic mosaics are stunning! The walls are covered with the first signs of marble veneer from recycled marble temples of the region at that time. The most interesting part about the mosaics is that they tell the story of the birth of Christ by starting with the conception and birth of Mary.

In a separate room were an assortment of restored frescos. Very cool