Phase 1 Istanbul, Turkey

We decided to spend a few days in Istanbul to adjust to the time difference before heading to Africa.  Many people had mentioned that it is a great city and easy to see in just a few days...and they were right.  We very much enjoyed our stay and became more comfortable with the sales people and the traffic as each day progressed.  There are no signal lights used...just horns indicating that they are coming through so get out of the way.  The streets are very narrow as they were built for horse and buggy.  Somehow the local drivers manage to pass one another without incident...as pedestrians, you just have to keep your eyes open, wits about you and run as fast as you can.

Blue Mosque

What an amazing place steeped in history and tradition.  The mosques are unbelievable, particularly the Blue Mosque.  We visited there first and then the Hagia Sophia and Topkapia...huge and the artifacts are simply amazing.  We were there at a very good time of year for sightseeing with fewer crowds.  We were able to see the famous 3 spoon diamond, which is often difficult due to the sheer number of people visiting...it is 86 carets and I can't even describe its size or beauty. We had an amazing lunch with the most tender calamari either of us had ever tasted. We also enjoyed interacting with the staff of Adonin who were equally obsessed with Christmas decorations and the iPad. Dinner at Ali Babi was a little more low key than our first night.



 Trying on scarves at one of the shops at the Grand Bazaar...

the salesmen are smooth!!!

Beautiful lamps at the bazaar,
 if only we could have brought some home safely

On day 2 we were able to experience the Grand Bazaar.  It is the world's largest flea market, complete with the most used car salesmen you will ever find.  The main products being sold were carpets, scarves and leather. If your salesman did not have what you want, his uncle/nephew/brother had it at their shop and they will walk you over. Business is conducted over a glass of hot apple tea and can take a long time. The opening line for these entrepreneurs is usually created when they hear your language or in our case, see our Canadian flag. You are from Canada . . . I know someone in Canada . . . Can I ask you one question . . . Are you looking for a carpet . . . And so it goes. Essentially the same dialogue from every stall you pass . . . Did we mention there are thousands? It's hard to believe we left with any Turkish Lira to our name. 



On day 3 we decided we had seen all the mosques . . . Once you've seen a few, they start to look alike . . . We were also shopped out so we headed to the Basilica Cistern (Heather's favorite as they reminded her of Luxor Egypt). Next we went on an adventure to find the tower for a view of Istanbul. Then we caught a local ferry that took us from Europe to Asia, where we went for the famous meatballs. They were OK. The waiters were very attentive and friendly and we got to speak with one fellow for a fair bit. This evening was very different from our first in Istanbul. Our first evening we ventured less than a block before being so nervous about the local salesmen that we returned to the safety of our hotel. Now here we are, out after dark, in drizzling rain, taking public transit and venturing from Europe to Asia and back again without a second thought.

 

Our final day was a slightly warmer, drier day and there was time left before our flight for a cruise of the Bosphorous Strait. What a great way to take in the scope of the city and the dichotomy that is Istanbul. There is a carnival atmosphere on the waterfront, with fishing from the bridge, mosques all around and business people chatting on cellphones while on their way to catch the tram to work. The energy is palpable. We have a bit of time before our flight so we head off in search of the best seafood restaurant in Istanbul. When off in search of a new location it is always good to keep your guidebook handy and the name of the restaurant. Maybe next time! For now, we head off with a map and a general guess as to the name of the restaurant. We have success. The calamari is wonderful although we decide that Adonin was as good and we missed our friendly Christmas decorators.  Now back to the hotel, via another small market, and off to the airport for our next great adventure.

 

A gentleman at the Grand Bazaar working on his fez.

Everybody sells everything and you can buy anything anywhere...even and especially on the street.