Part 2 of Istanbul: Topkapi Palace

After lunch in the peaceful courtyard of an arts and crafts center, we were rested enough to tackle big site #2 for the day, the Topkapi Palace. 

Enjoying their Turkish tea

Rolling out layers and layers of phyllo dough so thin!

Once inside the palace, we went straight to the Sultan's Harem where each Sultan lived with all of their concubines. The rooms were exquisite and we spent a lot of time looking up at the domed, tiled ceilings. I hadn't seen tile work like it since the Alhambra, though this was much more extensive and stunning.

Jude is one loved child!

I dream of living in a tiled house and would settle for a tiled bathroom or even a single tiled shower wall! Adding this next picture to my Pinterest Home Inspiration board :)

Courtyard of the Eunuchs

The Imperial Hall

Apartments of the Crowned Prince

"Water!"

Views across to the Galata Tower and neighborhood where we stayed. 

Views across the Bosphorus to the Asian side of Istanbul

"Yeah, that palace is cool, but check out this fire hydrant!!"