Istanbul: Day 4 - The last night.

Our last night in Istanbul.
Both of us really liked Istanbul...but, other than the first night here, we had not been able to stay up very late. In fact, a couple of times we headed home around 7:00 for a quick "nap" ...and never made it out again. So, on our last night we were determined to stay up and check out the city after dusk.
The night markets.
We walked the streets and noticed that around the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, business is still brisk in the waning hours of the day. Souvenir and rug shops keep their doors open, trying to seduce tourists into purchasing some of their wares. We walked on...and are very proud to say that we left Turkey without buying a rug. Not an easy feat for me, but I did accomplish it.
The show at the Blue Mosque.
We walked around the Blue Mosque and into its courtyard. Outside the loudspeakers were blaring something in French (it sounded good, as the French language can, sometimes, be pleasant to the ear)....and the lights of the Mosque were being dimmed and brightened to the cadence of the reading and the music that accompanied it. The Blue Mosque looked absolutely incredible...and you kind-a expected Aladdin to cruise by on his flying carpet.
We also wandered inside the courtyard...which was also lit and created a beautiful setting for a night promenade - and many groups (families and friends) were walking inside holding low volume conversation.
The Sufi dancer.
Finally, we went over to the cafe that sits at the side of the Mosque...lured by the sound of Sufi music. That's where we ordered the all-too-delicious Turkish Viagra...and I (not Jake) enjoyed a smoke of the water pipe while we listened to the sound from the ancient instruments and watched a dancer, his white costume floating around him as he twirled in place...seemingly in a trance.
It was truly a magical evening...and an epic way to end our stay in the magnificent city of Istanbul.