Istanbul not Constantinople
If we were sensible and thoughtful students, we would talk about the rich cultural experience we had today visiting the Blue Mosque, Topaki Palace, Basilica Cistern and Hagia Sophia. We would describe the centuries old Christian and Muslim history associated with these places, reflecting on the significant events and people that are part of Turkish history.
But we are just your regular impressionable teenagers who are more likely to notice things like: a rabbit that tells your fortune, lamb with 'wedgies', Oliver and the fire extinguisher incident, James learning the difference between eating chestnuts and their shells, the smell of the Spice Market, henna is green, saphron is expensive and cobblestone streets are not flat. We are of course having a wonderful experience understanding Turkish culture - an ideal way to prepare for our journey to the Gallipoli Peninsula tomorrow.