We spent our first few days in Turkey having a look around Istanbul. It is an amazing city, with the old architecture integrated into the new. We began with from the airport with a train/tram ride into the old city. I think the other 12,998,000 Turks were on the tram with us. It was jammed packed – and not so nice when you were wearing a pack and holding your day pack!! However we made it through the maze.
We stayed in an apartment for a night, that was very nice and with a an early morning wakeup call (5am) with a call to prayer from the adjacent Mosque. Unfortunately the owner wanted to charge more if we re-booked it for more nights so we moved on. The joys of online booking when you don’t know the area!
We managed lots of walking and saw the Blue Mosque, The Grand and Spice Baazars, The Bascilica Cistern, the Aquaduct,and the Hippodrome. We have also left some to visit when we return at the end of our Turkish travels. We were impressed by the food (have I not mentioned this before??) It is so fresh and tasty compared to Nepal’s.
The sights and sounds amazed us. Everyday 3 or 4 times? you hear the prayer calls from the Mosques – no matter where you are, as it is put over a PA system. A little frightening until you work it all out. We were discussing travel arrangements and the agent quickly closed the door so we could get on with chatting.
We have had some interesting conversations with people in the markets, trading is slow so they are keen to converse. When they know where you are from it is always “Kia Ora, Bro”. They take a shine to Georgia and she has been called many different things.. hey lady, Maria, pretty girl, princess etc..
We still haven’t bought much (due to touring the country) except the odd bit of Turkish Delight, and devine fruit and nuts. (Our favourite turkish delight flavour – there are many – is pomegranite and pistachio!! They also do freshly squeezed juice – in front of your eyes. It is a fascinating bustling place, where there are loads of tourists. Plenty of the older brigade.
Fantastic. Going to Gallipoli?
Yes that is in the itinerary. We have booked accommodation and will slowly be making our way there. We are on the coast now and tomorrow will move to Olympos and the promise of lovely beaches! The weather is warmer here now, we have seen lots of late spring snow!
wish l was with you looks like you are all having a great time, what with the food and sights have showen mum an dad have had to get map out to follow you