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Published: September 26th 2015
Istanbul
Old Istanbul Ferry Terminal Istanbul what a place! With the Bosphorus waters running right the way through the it. The European side which has the old (Constantinople) Istanbul and the new city. And the Asia side which is more residential and industrial . The busy stretch of water, which divides the two parts of the city is linked by ferries carrying people across back and forth.
The Grand mosques are just fabulous each are so very unique but it's when you visit inside they are so beautiful with the mosaic tiles and the glided gold and silver. You think that you would get bored looking mosques all day, but each of them so lovely that they are all quite unique. The Blue Mosque was my favourite and the Haigh Sofia.In each suburb you can find a Turkish baths, although we didn't try one I am told they are very invigorating for you body.Any time of the day you will find tea boys delivering sweet tea to customers and venders selling different foods walking along the streets, mostly breads.Bars sell beer and the Turkish Raki which is Like the Greek Ouzo which the Turkish drink with cold water it turns a milky white and is very
Istanbul
Grand Mosque nice. Seafood is also quite big here in Istanbul, lots of seafood restaurants. But it's near the old part of Istanbul were you get the fish on bread, a traditional Turkish boat which has fish the night previous. Pulls along side the of port and sells the freshly cook fish, which is then put on bread with onions and salad,which are delicious.Topeka palace we spent hours just wandering around looking at how the Sultan lived wandering around the Harem were he housed his many wife's. The views from the palace took in all of Istanbul. Once again the decorated walls and ceiling covers with mosaic tiles and gold inlets and painting were exquisite.The spice markets aren't that far away from the river and which has amazing colours of spices and dried fruits and pastries, and also Turkish delight any flavour and texture you could dream of. We were quite partial to the pistachio and pomegranate but the young man who served us was lovely and let us sample many flavours. I think he loved his job as he also took a sample each time too.Cats in Istanbul kind of run the city, strays but not as we know strays. All
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Grand Mosque the cats are fed and neutered, cleaned and pampered and loved, some belong to people but most no particular person owns them just everyone takes care of them. So all cats are loved their isn't a rat or mice problem everyone is happy with the cats and all live very harmonious in the city.The grand Bazar is alone an adventure, I was keen on buying some gold earrings and had seen a particular pair. I had seen the same at different shops but not quite the quality I had seen at this one shop. Very over priced shop, I bartered for two days I kept going back until we reach a agreement. And then Glen finished the deal I think he felt a bit better dealing with a man. But I got him down from $600 to $165 and Glen took another $5.00 off but I suppose bartering is men's business.We stayed in Istanbul for four days and are happy with what we experienced traditional and modern living in a city with a population of twenty million. We have so enjoyed Turkey has been quite a adventure. On to our next stop India, Delhi and on to our Indian adventure.
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