In Istanbul we visited Hagia Sophia, the Basilica Cistern, the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palice, the Archeological Museum, the Grand Bazaar, and the Spice Bazaar and lots of walking around. Amazing city - with lots of history - Constantinople had such an important role in that region as a European/Asian gateway.
In Georgia we had a few nights in Tbilisi, and several long trips to see mountains, monastaries, caves, old villages. and the Black Sea. Nice meals and local folk dancing. We just had two days in Armenia. Gorgeous vistas everywhere - interesting architecture in Georgia. Some of the roads aren't in good shape - especially in the mountains where threwe small landslides. And often there were cows nonchalantly walking on the roads.
Both countires have unique alphabets - I learned (and forgot) a few letters. Many of the signs were also in phonetic English and/or Russian (which I can read). And the explanations in museums and other sights were in multiple languages incljuding English.
More posts and pictures will be coming.