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Published: March 31st 2008
I realize that I haven't said much about breakfast on this blog. As a traveler on a budget breakfast is of the utmost importance in planning one's day, as I suppose it always should be. I do a lot of walking when traveling and starting the day on an empty stomach just isn't a good idea. At the hostel in Athens breakfast was always provided, and consisted of toast, toast, toast, with either butter and jam or Nutella, and sometimes a hard boiled egg, along with tea or coffee. It was great the first day - endless toast! - fine the second, and rather down hill after that. Luckily, at the hostel in Istanbul breakfast is a more varied affair: bread, butter and jam, yes, but also olives, tomatoes, cucumber, sheep's cheese and, of course, tea. It's a joy, even when you're one of the last downstairs to grab any, as I was this morning.
Everything is so easy and enjoyable in this city that I just can't push myself here. After breakfast I wandered up the street to the Cemberlitas Hammam, built in 1584 and one of the two most famous hammams in the city, for the best-ever bathing experience of my life. Sorry - no photographs allowed. I'd been looking forward to this, especially with the chill outside, ad despite the rise in prices it did not disappoint. Lying for hours on the large marble gobetasi (raised platform above the heating source) and staring up at the light from the windows in the ceiling was just what I needed - but I never knew it until now. I guess I've just never been much of a steam bath sort of person. Not anymore. I'm even considering going to the Cagalogu Haman later in the week, but only time and the weight of my pocketbook will tell.
In the afternoon I met up with roommates Anne and Val, two German students studying Turkish here, and we did a bit of shopping at the Spice Bazaar, which is actually pretty similar to the Grand Bazaar - not too many spices but lots of Turkish delight. After a quick bit for dinner it was Turkish tea, baklava and postcards for me, and soon for you too.
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Amanda
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Sounds great! Makes me want to use the sauna at my gym now, but somehow I don't think the experience would be quite the same. ;) I love the picture of you!! Istanbul sounds like one of your favorite places.