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Published: February 9th 2007
I woke up early in order to elbow my way to the sluggish but free computer in our hostel. Online, I learned that Smartcars are coming to the US (good news!) and Anna Nicole Smith died at the age of 39. My connection to home comes via the internet and so I cherish these moments where I re-connect with my homeland.
After evaluating the status of my clothes, an executive decision was made to find a laundromat. I comparison-shopped by racing down the streets of Istanbul and discovered Laundry Express which washed and dryed my clothes for 3 lira per kilo...thats less than 2 dollars per bag! Deal.
The first goal of the day was to visit the Basilica Cistern, a dramatic 6th century underground water palace in the heart of Istanbul. We were tipped off by a Couchsurfer here who claimed that it "converted her to the city". She is a Californian that we met for dinner last night who has worked in Istanbul for almost one year. We took her advice and stepped down into one of the most dramatic sights of the trip.
The sound of dripping water and pulsing mysterious
music floated up to our ears out of the cistern. I had no idea that such a huge and beautiful cavern existed just below the steps of Istanbul's most popular attractions. Early Turks had a problem with invaders poisoning public water, and to defend themselves they converted chuch basements into water containers. Emperor Justinianus built an aqueduct from the Belgrade Woods to flow 19 kilometers into the cistern.
Exciting mysteries surround this underground cistern's unique attractions. Two cornerstones holding up columns in the northeast corner are carved into the shape of Medusa heads. For some unknown reason, one head is sideways and one is upside down. There is also a decorative teardrop column.
After leaving the cistern and grabbing a chicken kebap for lunch, we enjoyed the afternoon by wandering around Topkapi Palace gardens. I then wanted to haggle for a scarf, so the boys and I parted ways and I headed to the Grand Bazaar. I circumnavigated the Bazaar, avoiding the tourists and seeking out bargains.
I ended up at Istanbul University and decided to try my luck at entering. The tiny turnstiles were closely guarded by an officer and two friends. I was
stopped and decided to pull the English-student routine. The guard didnt speak any English, and I played dumb. "Sorry? I would like to go into the university." I ended up showing him my student ID from AC. "Where you from?" The US. Texas. "America. Go in." The amazing power of the United States. I wandered around the green spaces (the only ones I had seen in Istanbul) and discovered an amazing view of the Bosphorus River. I noticed a massive mosque next door, covered up with my hoodie and went inside. My intentions, however, were not purely religious. A large "WC" sign caught my attention and drew me to the public toilet on the outskirts of the mosque grounds. It was the most amazing bathroom I had ever seen. Aside from the pervasive moth-ball smell (there were four in each sink) birds twittered and water flowed from the electric waterfalls on the wall. The pictures just dont do it justice.
I have now found my way to you! Hope all is well in your world. Wishing you beautiful bathrooms and Medusa heads.
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todd in dallas
non-member comment
why the medusa heads weren't straight
hi, love your pics, reminds me of my time there with the US Embassy. don't mean to sound like an archeology nerd but Justinian(or was it Constantine?) dismalted the roman temple above where the cistern now sits, and using the biggest blocs(medusa and aphrodite's heads) used them to shore up the pillars(the 2/4 pillars they are under are higher that the rest). It was also a way for the Christian emperor to insult the old roman religions