I set out for the Hagia Sophia this morning before dawn so that I could position myself for a good photograph at sunrise. Drones are not permitted within the tourist complex’s cordoned-off grounds but are allowed outside. Skies were overcast which made for a slightly muted shadow-free scene. I am really pleased with the result. I then toured the interior of the mosque which was equally beautiful.

By the time I returned to our hotel it was time to wake Kyle and Maya who arrived late last night. After breakfast, we left to watch the USA vs Argentina match. Nicolai scored a thunderous goal early in the game and immediately ran to the sidelines to embrace his siblings. Unfortunately, Argentina battled back with three unanswered goals. Torrential rain preceded the game and continued through the opening minutes leaving the field incredibly slick. Limited crutch traction put a real damper on the US athletic style of play and favored the Argentinian short pass game.

After the match, we returned to Istanbul and toured the Blue Mosque, the Mausoleum of Sultan Ahmet, and the Basilica Cisterns.