A Bosphorus cruise was scheduled for our first day in Turkey, but we were rained out. This turned out to be fortuitous, as some friendly Turks we met felt sorry for us and arranged to have the private yacht of a Turkish pop star sail us down the strait - a vast improvement over the large tourist ferry which was originally scheduled.
There is not a public building nor private home nor edifice of any kind in Turkey that doesn't have at least one nazar hanging on the wall. These amulets, known also as a Blue Eye or The Eye of Medusa, serve to repel the evil intentions sent your way by those who may issue a pox on your house or otherwise besmirch you psychically.
For a detailed explanation on the origin and meaning of Sema, the Sufi ceremony replete with the dervishes who whirl, click here. We were treated to a private showing in an old wooden hall, and were amazed at how intently and perfectly the young adepts moved. The combination of the sweeping movements, the chanting of the master, and the accompanying ney (Turkish flute) was both transfixing and haunting.
Tree posers and tree huggers alike were spurred into action around Bursa's 600 year-old maple tree.
Our tour guide was excellent. She pointed out the Temples built to various gods and goddesses, the small theatre, Curetes street, and the Gate of Heracles. 
