First days...an intriguing introduction to Turkey and it's flagship city, Istanbul.....A true crossroads in place and time where East meets West.
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Day 1
With great anticipation, I was looking forward to my 7th Rick Steve's tour---The Best of Turkey! I have been blessed to have traveled to many locations in Europe both alone and with a RS group. 2010's trip to Spain and Morocco with Rick Steve's wetted my appetite for something a little different. I had an inkling that the Turkey tour might fit the bill.
After a couple of flight "snafoos", I finally arrived in Istanbul the day of the tour. Dropping my bags at the hotel, I took a little walk-about before meeting the group on the hotel's rooftop terrace. What I saw during my little walk convinced me that I had made the right choice!
After a couple of flight "snafoos", I finally arrived in Istanbul the day of the tour. Dropping my bags at the hotel, I took a little walk-about before meeting the group on the hotel's rooftop terrace. What I saw during my little walk convinced me that I had made the right choice!
Window display
First impressions.....A little blurry-eyed, but none the less very excited, I didn't venture out too far from the hotel but weaved my way in and out of obviously touristy streets and smaller side steets. I stumbled upon hooka bars and a small mosque courtyard with mothers watching their children play. I was witness to quiet afternoon tables waiting for a lunch crowd and one of the quintessential souveniers....Turkish lanterns. The locals were reserved yet friendly and it was fun seeing that birds are facinating to kids everywhere.
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Happy local!
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Day 3.....More Istanbul!
I woke up this morning to roosters crowing, sea gulls squealing, and morning birdsong...with the gentle coo of a dove.....magical.
We began the morning with a side street walk to the Topkapi Palace. So sweet with an ancient flair.
A quiet side street....
Topkapi Palace
Great weather for a palace visit!
The Topkapi Palace. After walking through a somewhat indescript gate (compared to what was ahead) we walked through the surrounding grounds of the palace. So much green space in the middle of the city speaks of the wealth of the Ottomans. So we meet up with more work of Mehmet the conqueror. This sultan and his successors lived here until the 1800's, moving on to better digs. There were many courtyardst o explore along with the infamous Harem. The Harem was a world in and of itself. We learned abut the lifes of the Harem concubines and their hierarchy. After touring the Harem as a group, we were given free time to explore the grounds on our own.
Below are pictures from the grounds
and interiors of the palace.....pictures fall short of the grandeur.....my words would seem small for this place.....my imagination was running wild.....Sultans, concubines, crazed Ottomans, a Harem, a treasury...and even holy relics....this place has everything!
After the morning at the palace, we were off to the
"New District". It was if you were in any European city ...coffee shops, book stores ...locals living life. and, oh yeah, lunch! We made our way to Istiklal Street, the New District's main drag....so to speak....Very modern, in contrast to the older part of town.
What a great day! But wait....it's not over yet .................
NOT BY A LONG SHOT!
On to the Egyptian Spice Market......
The shop owner gives careful explanations of his wares. Recipes and cooking tips along with plentiful samples were part of this demonstration.......and, of course, tea. We were offered our first tast of Turkish Delight........It wasn't what I expected at all!