Istanbul used to be named Constantinoble.
Today we decided to tour on
our own seeing some sights we won’t see on tomorrow’s tour. We planned a
walking tour/wander and had a Turkish Hamam (Bath) planned for 4:00 in the
afternoon with Marianne. She decided to do the walk with us, but it was a bit
much for her. We took a couple of taxis that really didn’t help much with the
heavy traffic.
We made our way across the
Galata Bridge in search of a fish sandwich prepared on the gold and black
fishing boats and we ate them shoreside on small tables and stools. The Galata
bridge has 2. The upper level is where the vehicles cross and the fishermen are
fishing. The lower level of the bridge is jammed with restaurants, bars and tea-houses with waterfront seating for boat and
people watching. We stopped and had a fish sandwich called Balik-Ekmek. It’s
Bonita fish and was way too strong for me. So, not the highlight of the day.
The Bosphorus, or the
Istanbul Strait, functions not just as a border between Europe and Asia, but as
one of the most beautiful sites in all of Turkey lined with scenic greenery,
palaces, parks, and absolutely gorgeous waterfront.
We then walked past the
Roasted Chestnut and Boiled & Roasted Corn on the Cob carts to the New
Mosque where we went inside and then wandered and ate our way through the Egyptian
Bazaar (Spice Bazaar). We sampled many kinds of Lokum or Turkish Delight and
bought some baklava. We then went in search of the Byzantine Cistern. We must
have asked about 6 people which way it was and we got a few conflicting
answers. One guy said he would drive us there, but we didn’t take him up on the
offer. We did eventually find it and it was worth the trip. It also goes by the
name the Underground Palace as it is supported with 336 columns, 2 are incised
with the head of Medusa.
notice the cat eating the cat food
Since Marianne was having a
hard time walking we grabbed a cab to take us to the Süleymaniye Hamam (Turkish Bath). Marianne and I were in the back seat
and Greg was up front. The guy took us way out of the way to get there because
traffic was so bad. That part probably was OK. Greg said at one point it seemed
like the fare really jumped up. But, we were waiting in traffic a long time so
maybe it was correct. Anyway, the fare at the end was 100 Turkish Lira (about
$50!). Then to top it off the cabbie grabbed some money from Greg’s hand and
then hands him back 2 fives and said they are supposed to be 50’s not Fives. So,
we think he did a slight of hand and took the two 50’s and then handed him back
the fives. Whatever! We were in a hurry and since traffic was so bad he let us
off and said the Bath was just a few meters away. We walked for quite a bit and
had to ask a couple people where it was. ARGH!
Finally
we find it and let the relaxation begin! Greg was led to a dressing room where
he got a towel and Marianne and I shared a dressing room where we got cotton
shorts and bra style top and a towel. Despite lots of pictures on the internet
I wasn’t allowed to bring the camera for photos during the bath. They had us
wear these wooden shoes that were way too big and I don’t know how we didn’t
break our necks walking in them on the marble. We were then led into a steam
room which was all marble. There were faucets where you could pour cool water
on yourself if you needed too. We were there about 30 to 40 minutes before we
were led into our rooms for the bath. Greg and I had our own room and Marianne
had a separate room. First they had us sit by the sink and they poured cold
water over us that felt good after broiling like lobsters on the marble slabs.
Then they scrubbed us with loofas. Now it was time to lay on the marble tables
where they took these huge bags of soapy bubbles and piled them high all over
us while scrubbing. Then, a bit of a massage. Quite nice! Then, they turn you
over and do the other side. After that they washed our hair in this lovely
smelling coconut shampoo. Then, they sit you up and pour water all over you to
rinse you off. After that we were led out to a changing room where we are given
dry Turkish linen towels to wrap ourselves in after we take off our wet ones.
Then, they kind of dry us and wrap our heads in towels and lead us out to a cooler
room where they served refreshments. It was a fun and relaxing experience. On
the way out they poured some perfumed lotion on our hands. Very enjoyable
experience. http://suleymaniyehamami.com.tr
After
that we visited the Süleymaniye Mosque right next door. On our way in we
noticed a large crowd of people and then noticed they were carrying out a
casket. So, we walked around not to interfere and after they left we followed
the signs to the visitors entrance and visited the inside. Very pretty mosque.
We
grabbed another cab that took about 50 minutes to go the short distance that
Greg & I could have walked in a lot less time. However, the fare was 20
Turkish Lira. (Not the 100 the other guy charged) Lesson learned! Just a short
walk back to the ship where we quickly showered (to redo my hair and makeup
after the bath, not that I wasn’t clean…lol).
I
had set up an evening Bosphorus Dinner Cruise and we were joined by Marianne,
Michael & Elizabeth, Bonnie & Dennis, Ginger & Joe, Rita &
Frank, Jeff & Pauline, Bill & Stella, Jim & Kathy, and Tom &
Sherry. Hugh & Nancy were to join us, but unfortunately we missed their
company.
We
were met at the pier by Soner with Daily Istanbul Tours . http://www.dailyistanbultours.com/ We have
a city tour set up with him tomorrow as well. After we were seated in the
vehicle he collected the money and we were driven to the Kabata Pier to board
the Turna Tur for our memorable night on the Bosphorus.
We were
seated at 2 long tables next to the floorshow. We started with appetizers of
various, types of hummus, relishes, potato salad and other yummy things to eat
with the bread. Then we were served a salad and we made a choice of chicken or
fish for the entrée that they would bring later. Both were very good. Unlimited
wine, beer and soft drinks were available.
There
was a D.J. that played all types of music and then the floorshow started. It
included Katibim which is a Turkish melody musical performance and Asuk Masuk which
is an imitation play of dwarfs which belongs to the Taseli district of Silifke
and is performed by 2 male dancers. They came up to Greg and were right in his
face.
A belly
dancer came out and she performed for a long time. She went about the room
going up to men and women and dancing over them or on them. She sat in my lap!
She also brought up various guys to dance with her.
There
was also a Turkish Folk Team and Turkish Romany Dance. I was expecting a short
token show with our meal with just the sights of the city for entertainment,
but the show was great! We had to remember to look outside at the beautiful
city lights as we passed by the famous Dolmabahce and
Beylerbeyi palaces, along the historic European and Asian shores, we saw
mosques, fortresses, 19th-century mansions and Sultan's fanciful gingerbread
palaces and hunting lodges. We also passed the 15th-century Rumelihisar
Fortress. The Bosphorus bridge puts on a light show of changing colors and
blinking lights. It is quite the magical city at night with Ottoman summer
palaces, waterside mansions and modern villas.
Turkish coffee was served as well as desert of baklava. It lasted until
almost midnight and we were driven back to the ship to catch a few hours of
sleep before the next days’ tour.
It seemed everyone really enjoyed the evening and gave me a round
of applause on the bus. Thanks guys!
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