The Bosporus, sometimes called the Istanbul Strait, is the body of water that flows between the Black Sea on one side and the Sea of Marmara (connected to the Mediterranean) on the other. It bisects Istanbul and is the dividing point between the European continent and Asia.
Today we took a cruise up The Bosporus from Istanbul to a small village located near the mouth that opens to the Black Sea.
Along the way you pass underneath two significant suspension bridges that are used by Istanbullus to cross The Bosporus by car or bus.
The cruise lurches from shore to shore as it makes its way up The Bosporus to the Black Sea, stopping at charming little towns along the way.
Until you arrive at the last stop, Anadolu Kavagi, where there are two activities: one is to climb the rather steep hill on top of which sits the ruins of an old fort that used to guard the entrance of The Bosporus, and the other is to have lunch. We did both.
Above is a view of the old fort, and yes, we climed up to the top. And once we reached the top we were greeted by a wedding party. The bride and groom were just having their pictures taken at the base of the old fort and made a fetching couple!
And here are Lisa and Jeff, another fetching couple, with the Black Sea as a dramatic backdrop.
After our climb to the top of the mountain, we came back down and had lunch. Hamsi were on the menu, so we had to have them! They are just startlingly delicious.
