Having been awake for about 35 hours straight, we finally collapsed. The exchange rate during our visit was quite favorable. One dollar bought about 615,000 Turkish Lira. A bottle of water cost about 150,000 TL, or about 25 cents. A can of Coke runs about 350,000 TL, or 57 cents.
Turkey is a great place for the budget traveler.
Only Mecca ranks higher we are told. Built in the 16th century it still serves as a mosque. It is stunningly beautiful inside, decorated with millions of blue mosaic tiles. We visited just after the early afternoon prayer and there were still worshipers inside, so we decided against taking photos. However, I did swipe this interior picture of the Blue Mosque from the internet.