Istanbul - Day 4
Yesterday was last day in Istanbul. Saw the old Roman/Byzantium Cistern system, which is a massive underground cavern with a lot of pillars it is very atmospheric and at the far end two very odd pillars that are supported by stone Medusa/Gorgon heads. Then I had a tea next to the fountains between the Haghia Sophia and the Blue Mosque. Did a little bit of shopping to blow the last of the Turkish Liras I had and then back to the hotel pack and off to the Airport.
It was a great trip and a fantastic city, even with t he carpet sellers and the call to prayer at a very early hour; without these things it would just start to be another city. There are just so many wonderful things to see there, the monuments, the hustle and the bustle, the food and the Bosphourous. Ok the Geography really confuses me, with the city being divided up by the Boshpouros and the Golden Horn and things not being as simple as North, south, East and West. I wish I had been there a few more days, I saw a lot, but did go things quite heavily and there was one palace (which admittedly was a way away from everything else) and I would like to have spent more time in the cafes and bars. Mind you it is a massive city with alot happening and I am sure I could find soemthing else to do.
/i have a lot of thoughts about my trip and details and no doubt I will write more, but I am back, my feet will no doubt recover and I will remember there is not much offering 20 per cent less then the price at Sainsburys :)
It was a great trip and a fantastic city, even with t he carpet sellers and the call to prayer at a very early hour; without these things it would just start to be another city. There are just so many wonderful things to see there, the monuments, the hustle and the bustle, the food and the Bosphourous. Ok the Geography really confuses me, with the city being divided up by the Boshpouros and the Golden Horn and things not being as simple as North, south, East and West. I wish I had been there a few more days, I saw a lot, but did go things quite heavily and there was one palace (which admittedly was a way away from everything else) and I would like to have spent more time in the cafes and bars. Mind you it is a massive city with alot happening and I am sure I could find soemthing else to do.
/i have a lot of thoughts about my trip and details and no doubt I will write more, but I am back, my feet will no doubt recover and I will remember there is not much offering 20 per cent less then the price at Sainsburys :)