Mosques and Minarets....... oh and carpets

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We arrived into Istanbul 2 hours later than we expected and the place looked huge and scary. However, once we got of the bus and started asking people where to catch the Metro and how to get into the city they were just so friendly that I though this place is going to be OK.

We had to fight our way through an indoor market to the cash machine (tuikish lira this time 1.23 to the dollar) and all the guys on the market stalls were calling out but in a friendly fashion. We got the money out then someone helped us buy our metro tickets then someone else helped us with directions and in no time at all we were at the Hostel. On the way we had already been approached by several guys wanting to know where we were from - we were going to get used to them - the carpet sellers who are everywhere. We even met one in the Grand Bazaar who asked where we were from and then proceeded to ask us if we knew Bob Francis - "He;s a very good friend of mine - look I have his mobile number in my phone" Yep, that's really interesting but we really don't want to buy your carpets.......

After checking in at the Hostel (which was a really nice place with a super cool guy on reception called Vulcan - very helpful bloke) we headed out to the centre and visited the Blue Mosque. Shoes had to come off and knees and shoulders had to be covered. It was a hot night, the Mosque was lit up and then the call to prayer started. Sensational!! There were lots of other tourists in the Mosque all walking barefoot with their scarves over their shoulders and around their waists.

We were starving and there were lots of lovely food smells so we headed to a restaurant recommended by Vulcan - it had a rooftop terrace but then most of them do in Istanbul - and we had a great meal with a fabulour view of the Bosphorous.

Next morning we headed back to the Blue Mosque for a longer look and then visited the undergound cistern built many hundreds of years ago (not that good on dates). There were fish swimming in the water and these fabulous columns - two of which were medusas head.

Then it was off to the Grand Bazaar and the Spice Market. The Gand Bazaar was huge and full of "stuff" everyone would know how I feel about stuff but I sort of started to get the urge to buy things - it soon went though thank goodnes - bought a few little trinkets but not much.

All around the place we saw these cute little boys running around dressed up like Ottoman princes - only later we discovered they get to wear these outfits just before they are about to be circumsised - ouch!!

After a long day pounding the pavement we decided to try out the Hammam - the turkish bath. We got our togs and headed off to one near the hostel that had been recommended. We got shoved into a room and given something the size of a tea towel to wrap ourselves in. Weren't really sure what we had let ourselves in for. We were led into a steam room and shown how to douse ourselves in water - cold, warm or hot, whatever we preferred. After about half an hour a woman came and took me away and lay me out on the marble slab. She poured first hot water then cold water over me then proceeded to remove several layers of skin with a sort of scrubbing brush. Doused with water again and then it felt like a thousand feathers were falling on me - so soft and gentle - it was soap suds but the feeling was incredible. Then I was told to turn over and saw Lyn coming in for her scrubbing. Same thing again for the front and I can't get over how soft that soapy stuff was - sensational. After this we were both given a fresh tea towel, took outside and given some hot apple tea to drink. If ever you get the chance, I highly recommend the Turkish Bath.

We had tea at the hostel Vulcan was cooking vegetarian - very tasty. We were both exhausted after our day and Lyn has caught a cold so wasn't feeling the best.

Today, Wednesday I think, we went and looked through Topaki Palace - we bought an audio guide but just the one so we were like Siamese twins - one earpiece each. Just before we completed the tour, it started to pour with rain- seems to happen a lot wherever we travel. Not cold, just wet.

Tomorrow we have to head off early to Gallipoli on the bus then it's onto Troy and then we make our way down to Pamakale and Capadoccia. More news soon

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Photos

Mosques and Minarets
The Blue Mosque

Shoes off and cover trhe knees
The latest fashion in Istanbul

The underground cistern
Medusa

Ottoman prince outfits
before the circumcision

Topaki Palace
Siamese twins

Comments

[dianne Macey]

Still there
Hi Carol, Went past your house today because they are digging up Henley Beach Road and yes, it is still there.?! X D ps. Bron left on her big trip sunday.