Our hotel for the night (April 26, 2012) is on the other side of town, in old Istanbul, near to the famous Blue Mosque. So after taking the tram we drop off our luggage and a pile of washing then head out - I'm super excited to be finally here, it's been on my list of places to visit for so long now.
As Prue spent a few days here before the tour she’s my tour guide
Our first stop is Haghia Sophia / Aya Sofya / Sancta Sophia / the Church of the Divine Wisdom. It was completed in 537 and until 1453 was a Church before it was converted into a mosque. In 1935 it was claimed as a museum. So the history to this place is amazing!! Inside is even more amazing with Mosaics everywhere. I’ll be more than happy to spend the whole day here just staring at the ceiling.
Alas there is much more to see and explore in Istanbul so time to move on……although I will return before I leave Istanbul.
Opposite Haghia Sophia is the famous Blue Mosque – this was built to rival Haghia Sophia. Another very impressive site! We had to take shoes off and put into plastic bags. Another place that I could spend all day here just staring at the walks and roof. Exactly like Haghia Sophia I definitely want to return again before I leave Istanbul! I’m hoping my photos will do both places justice.
We had a quick stop at the Hippodrome before deciding Coffee is needed and how appropriate that we are in one of the coffee capital of the world! Yes thanks we’ll have some Turkish Delight to go with that too…….although I might be here all day deciding which one.
Now that we are refueled we head to the Grand Bazaar, which is a very large covered bazaar. I’m more interested in looking at the tiles on the floor and the ceiling than the shops. One thing I was surprised about what how wide the alleyways were – I had expected them to be smaller. A great place to spend a few hours.
We continue wandering the streets and stumble upon the Spice Market, this was somewhere we wanted to visit so it worked out perfect. The shopkeepers here are a lot more full on that at the grand bazaar. Some of the comments were got to try to get us into their stores are -- it's free to enter but you have to pay to get out / good morning (when it's clearly afternoon) / how can I help you spend your money / I'm jealous that you took a photo of their shop but not mind / Lady Gaga / we have poison for your mother-in-law. All very amusing!
Saw the set up for a movie, Prue was told last week it was James Bond. Wonder if we’ll be movie stars given we are walking ok hovering around??
Wondered our way back to the hotel, thank goodness Prue has been here before as I just followed. Enjoyed a quiet beer watching the comings and goings on a small street.
The hotel recommended a restaurant for dinner which had a pick-up service - perfect!!! It is under the Galata bridge; great views of not only the sea but the city as well.
Friday (April 27, 2012) morning we packed up yet again, thank goodness I have 3 nights in my next hotel. After a chilled breakfast we checked out, left our luggage and went in search of my hotel. Couldn't be closer if we planned - stones throw away :) perfect!
We took the tram and train over to Taksim; after walking around Taksim Square we continued along Istiklal Caddesi stopping along the way more than once!! I very long and wide promenade.
We stumbled across the Galata Tower, which use to be the highest point of Galata. After a long wait we made it to the top – the views are absolutely spectacular! Made so much better that it’s a beautiful blue sky day. Shame that half the world is up here with us.
Lunch is calling – we again stumble across a great restaurant near the Tower. Unbelievable it’s not touristy. My first taste of Turkish pizza, Pide, and I can assure you it won’t be the last. We have feta and fresh herbs --- yum yum yum!! Washed down with a beer and a salad.
We slowly make our way back to the hotel , walking across the Galata Bridge. So much activity both on and above the water! It’s nice just walking and taking it all in.
We have time for a final beer before Prue has to head to the airport. I’m feeling very sad.
After Prue left I went in search of somewhere to go for dinner, was sitting enjoying my glass of wine and food when a man at the table closest to me throw a spoon at me - excuse me I think not! On informing the waiter the reply was "sorry he is drunk"......so that's ok then, not in my book. Where is Prue when I need her!!
Saturday morning (April 28, 2012) after having a relaxing breakfast I headed off to the Topkapi Palace. The 40 minute wait to buy a ticket gave me time to read about the Palace as well as plan my next stop. I really should have come at opening time!!
Getting into the palace was a test to my patience - people everywhere pushing in all directions. Once I was in it was even worse, some people have no idea!!!
For the most part I enjoyed wandering in and out of each room/hall; the number of people everywhere made it hard at times.
In one hall I entered there was a man reading the Quran which could be heard throughout the hall, then on exiting you see him reading and along the wall the translation into English.
After exiting the Harem I hightailed out of the Palace grounds - there were people for Africa and back again. I'd hate to see the place tomorrow.
On walking down the road I came across Hagid Sofia Mausoleums. Right by the exit, yes they allowed me to enter where everyone else was exiting, was the Mausoleum of Sultan Mehmed III.
From here went to Aya Sofya Tombs, there are the final resting places of five sultans and their families. There are 5 buildings for the 5 sultans. All have ornate interior decorations. Seeing the child size tombs was absolutely awful.
I decided it was time for a refreshment, and to lower my blood pressure. There seemed to be at least ten times the number of people around today that there was yesterday. I'm so pleased I have visited Haghia Sophia and the Blue Mosque as the lines are crazy long!
I was going to visit the Basilia Cistern but the line was far too long, instead I'll come in the morning when it first opens. This way I'm hoping there won't be too much of a line.
I pop into a couple of shops on my way to the hotel; I'm surprised with how much the cost of things change from shop to shop.
I had been recommended by a friend to go and see a Whirling Dervishes show so it’s my Saturday night activity. After purchasing a ticket during the day I rock up far too early……why oh why?! From reading my trusty LP it’s famous for its meditative sema, a whirling ceremony that represents a union with God. This should be interesting. The performance is on a round stage (perfect for us all to see); after a few minutes of darkness the show begins. The first thing that amazes me is the Whirlers are all men, not something I was expecting and it really goes to show I have no idea about Whirling Dervishes. It’s definitely an interesting experience being here (and so so different to anything else I’ve experienced), not sure if I’d recommend it though.
After the show I need to stand still for 5 minutes, it was like I had been up there twirling away!!
I went for dinner at a place I'd read up on, nice and close to both the show and my hotel. Like last night decided to have a glass of red wine instead of beer, hopefully it helps me sleep. Although it's like smelling poison and tastes a heck of a lot worse!!!! Only one glass for me tonight and even then I'm not sure I'll finish it all.
Sunday (29 April 2012) I was up early, I didn't fancy waiting in a long line to see the Basilica Cistern. It seemed everyone else had the same idea; thankfully the line wasn't too long and at opening time went quickly. The line to get into Sofia Haghia was worse than yesterday afternoon!!
The Cistern was built in 532……just a few years ago :) After walking down the stairs (that have water dripped on them) the first thing that catches my eye is all the columns arranged in neat rows. I know I’m going to enjoy wondering around.
On exiting I wondered the streets towards the water, stopping en-route to get a freshly squeezed OJ which was a tad tart! Then into the New Mosque, which really is over 4,000 years old, like the Blue Mosque I could have spent hours staring at the walls and roof, absolutely amazing!
I manage to buy a bus ticket without any issues, now the fun part of knowing when to get off the bus for the Chora Church begins.
Right plan didn't go so well, I'm now in the boom-docks and clearly the only tourist. I ask a guy if he knows where I go, he has no idea but is kind enough to ask the driver.....who in turn has no idea. Ooh dear!!! Finally it's just me and the driver, where in the world is he taking me I ask. All of a sudden we come to a stop, there is the same number bus heading in the direction we have just come from. The drivers start talking and all of a sudden I’m jumping off running onto the new bus - phew. At least I know I'm heading in the right direction now.
I decide to get off at some stage and started walking, clearly in the wrong direction I discover after asking a couple security guards. Back I go in the direction I've just come from, this time I decide to walk further in the opposite direction until I come across the ruins. Surely there will be a sign.....alas no. It's really hot and not much shade :(
At what point do you give up trying to locate the Chora Church - now! Thankfully there is a bus stop close, hmm now what's the name of the bus station I got on at??!
Driving back into the bus station where I first started is tough going, there are cars and people everywhere. Sunday's are by far are the busiest day in Istanbul.
Time for a boat cruise me thinks. Thankfully there is one leaving in 30 minutes so after buying a snack I jump on board like everyone else to secure a good seat. A great place to people watch! We cruise up the Bosphorus strait seeing how the other half live!! Going up with strait I’m in the sun which is lovely but on the return I’m in the shade with a very cold wind. Not pleasant at all!
Back onto terre firma I join in the locals in purchasing a fish kebab from one of the floating boats, before the boat cruise left I had watched the fish being cooked. There are people everywhere so I decide to stand and eat, this way I can keep an eye on my bag. Very tasty - can definitely understand why so many people are eating them.
I head back towards the hotel, trying to keep away from the crowds. Hard to believe it’s my last night in Istanbul, I've had a great time and been very lucky to see a lot in the short time I've been here. One day I will return.
For now I enjoy an Efes (Turkish beer) and listen to the wait staffs banter with each other and the potential customers walking by.
Monday (April 30) I enjoy a leisurely breakfast. Can't believe my time in Turkey is coming to an end.
After the awful task of packing up yet again, if only I was rich and could buy everything when I got to a place, I left my luggage at the hotel and went in search of a shoe shop. Thankfully this time I found my destination but came away empty handed. Never mind I have no space anyway.
I have a couple of hours left so before I visit the Blue Mosque again I stop for coffee and Baklava. Am shocked to see a McDonalds directly across which is unfortunately full. What on earth are people thinking???! Clearly they are not.
I head over to the Blue Mosque.....and what do you know it's closed for Pray time. Typical. Major buggar.
I enjoy my last lunch without too many hassles - a nice change! Before having a short wait for my transfer, thankfully it arrives early unlike Prue’s, we make the airport in record time. Too early actually as the check-in counters aren't open yet.
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