Breakfast was on the rooftop terrace overlooking the Bosphorous. We then went off for another days sightseeing. I think it may have been a little easier if the sat nav hadn’t kept playing up. In the afternoon, I know we were going round in circles and by this time my feet were really aching and we walked through the entire tailoring area of Istanbul (don’t think we were supposed to!)
In two days, the sat nav won’t work properly and Mal’s camera which he rarely uses has broken as well! Bit of a joke as I use mine nearly every day and it is still going strong. But then Mal’s is nearly 5 years old. In that 5 years he has used it about FIVE times!!
09:30 – viewed Triumphal Arch which the emperor Theodosius I erected in the 4th century AD which was crowned with the statue of the emperor and a column in the center of the old Forum Tauri (today’s Beyazit Square). Some marble pieces of the Arch can still be seen today in its original location but the column and monumental fountain were destroyed by an earthquake in 557 and completely vanished around 16th century being used as construction material. Some of the pieces were used in the construction of a Turkish Bath next door, of which friezes can still be noticed today on its walls and in the base. It’s located at Sultanahmet neighborhood, in the center of old city. The Million Stone was always put in the center of a city and distances to all corners of the Byzantine Empire were once measured starting from this point. The stone was erected under the reign of Constantine the Great around 4th century AD in the northeastern corner of Augusteion Square, marking the starting point of an extensive road network.
11:00 – Opposite the mosque is a pier from where Turyol boats depart for a 90 minute Bosphorus cruise (a timetable can be obtained from the hotel’s front desk). These boat trips are the shortest and simplest way to explore the Bosphorus. But we decided to take a private tour. It lasted longer and we knew if we just walked along by the sea, plenty of people would offer us trips…they did!
14:00 Once back look out for the full-screen Galata Bridge Fish Sandwiches, Galata Bridge (Lower Level). Balik ekmek! That’s what you listen out for when you’re heading down to the lower level of the Bridge on the Eminonu side. Once a raucous tradition for the local fishermen to sell their ‘fish in bread’ straight of the side of the boat—occupational health and safety policy banned the popular trade, though you can still find the delicious morsels here! Wash it down with a fresh pickle juice.
Walk in the direction of the Golden Horn will take you to less popular Rüstem Pasha Mosque (B) to see some of the most beautiful Ottoman tiles of the classical era. Then on to the Spice Market or Egyptian Bazaar (Mısır Çarşısı)(C) in Eminönü is also a covered bazaar, which is a lot smaller than Grand Bazaar, and as its name implies, houses herbalist and spice shops. Stroll in and around the market, after which you can visit the
Next – 17th century Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan Sarnici) opposite Hagia Sophia and the. Yerebatan Cad., Sultanahmet www.yerebatan.com, A giant underground cistern built by Justinian in 532 to provide water to the city in cases of siege. A wooden walkway winds between the pillars, and lights and piped music add to the eerie atmosphere. Bring some type of fish food as you’ll see enormous fish swimming below your feet. The statues of Medussa are impressive. 3YTL for Turkish citizens, 10 YTL (no concessions. Turkish currency and credit cards accepted.).
After all this, it was back to the hotel and after two days I am really getting tired of being asked if I would like to buy a carpet, everywhere we go!
Lale Restaurant, or the legendary Pudding Shop www.puddingshop.com/homepagex.html as known by Hippies of 60’s, is still open but without its former glory and crowd. In Sultanahmet, very near the tram station. So, the Pudding Shop was the nights choice for our dinner. Good food, we both had steak, mushrooms and cheese and really tasty salad. The Turkish coffee there was probably the best I have tasted.
