Istanbul has two airports: one in Europe (where the well-known downtown of Istanbul is located) and another in Asia. Since I opted for the cheap option, I landed in the latter. It was freezing cold (about three degrees, no joke) and pouring rain when I got to Turkey. I befriended a German couple right quick, who showed me the way...literally...to my hostel.
We took a one hour public bus ride to the ferry port, and a half hour ferry ride to cross from Asia to Europe. It was magical. There is something so amazing in all my travels: no matter how cold or how hot or how inconvenient, there is always something I can look back on with awe and recall how amazing it is to have been given these opportunities.
Here's what I saw late into the ferry ride, as we encroached upon Istanbul...
I (silly me) thought that once the ferry docked, it would be a short jaunt to my (gorgeous) hostel. Lo and behold, the German couple came through yet again, and we endured the 45-minute walk to their hotel, where they then found some succinct directions to my atrocious hostel. Oh well...it was only one night and the Australian gals who shared the room with me were hilarious. On the way to the hostel, we stumbled upon these fishermen in front of the Blue Mosque. It was beautiful all lit up like Christmas.
Naturally, since I hadn't eaten since breakfast at Erik's, it was time for some Turkish delights, starting with this homemade bread and tzatziki-esque dip.
I was propositioned twice by Turkish men, so I rushed back to the hostel fairly abruptly. Was this indicative of how the rest of the trip would be? Surely not.
(As it turns out, certainly YES, and don't call me Shirley.)
I was propositioned twice by Turkish men, so I rushed back to the hostel fairly abruptly. Was this indicative of how the rest of the trip would be? Surely not.
(As it turns out, certainly YES, and don't call me Shirley.)
Day two in Istanbul started rather drearily and continued to get worse as the day progressed. Amazing that we could see the sea from the rooftop restaurant though.
The adventure started: my tour of Istanbul.
They were hosting a marathon on this particular day, so runners were all over the place, crowding the frigid streets with their tights and toques.
My first glimpse of Aya Sofia, a church that was built in, get this, 537 AD.
...and across the way, the Blue Mosque.
Pomegranates are in season in October, so there was freshly pressed juice for sale all over the city. Don't mind if I do.
Back to Aya Sofia...
This is, by far, my favourite picture taken during this trip. That little Blue Beast is good for some things ;)
Finally it was time for visitors at the Blue Mosque. I admit, it did feel a bit strange to be imposing on these people in their holy place of worship. Shoes off, just like in Thailand, mixed with cold, wet socks...you might imagine what it smelled like in there. There was something ethereal about taking refuge in a church this old, however. Sure, it was only from the weather, but it was a place of comfort for people from all over the world, from all different denominations. Isn't that what the church community is all about?
The Blue Mosque apparently houses one of the biggest chandeliers in the world. Well yeah, it sort of takes up the whole place and the wires that hang from the ceiling obscure the view from one side to the next. It's gorgeous.
Adorned in what I thought was mandatory head covering (but what turned out to just look silly), this was the last picture taken in Istanbul...
My thoughts? This city was pretty cool and I'm sure that if the Grand Bazaar was open and I could trudge through the spice markets for hours on end (and not float away), I would have enjoyed it way more. I was taken aback by the men and their forwardness. As a matter of fact, I was turned right off. I asked a restaurateur if he was still open (quite late at night), and he offered to cook me dinner at his house. Really? Does that sort of thing work with most tourists? I shudder at the thought.
Amazing how weather can make or break a trip, isn't it? Had I packed my wellies, I would have been FAR more prepared to stomach (foot?) the time I had there.
The mix of Asia and Europe was felt less in Istanbul than in Cappodocia and in the south of the country, but it was still a very strong juxtaposition. It felt sort of like Bremen, Germany, and Anyang, if that makes sense.
In short, it was not my favourite place and I was quite glad to board that overnight bus to Cappodocia.
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