And here I am - in Istanbul, one of my favourite cities in the World. Actually my final destination is Bodrum, on Turkish Riviera, but I just had to pass by Istanbul... This is the place where everything - which means my big passion for travelling - has started. Exactly 6 years ago, almost to the day. Istanbul was the first place - outside Europe - I visited. Outside or inside - still the most exotic at that time.
Arriving very late, and taking a Havatas (a shuttle) to the centre. I booked a hotel next to Taksim Square - Ash Otel Taksim B&B (Istiklal caddesi, Bekar St No. 26). Location is absolutely excellent and Taksim - despite 1AM is still full of people. I decide to give up the initial idea of going to sleep, and I go for a walk, and for a baklava!
The next morning, after a quick breakfast in the hotel, I decide to visit a bit. Since my time in Istanbul is very limited, I choose going to Sultanahmet, and to Hagia Sofia, although I've been there already. But I find it one of the most impressive buildings, I just have to see it again.
Unfortunately I don't have more time to visit the Blue Mosque, so I can admire it only from a distance.
After, I go to Grand Bazar where I wanted to buy a lamp. I was planning this purchase for quite some time, but once I'm there, I cannot find my dream lamp... Instead, completely spontaneously I decide to buy a carpet... I don't know whether this is the apple tea I was offered, charm of the Turkish seller or a good price I was given after several refusals to buy the carpet for the initial price, but yes, after a 15 minutes negotiation, I'm becoming a proud owner of a new carpet :-)
The owner of the shop, after learning that I'm in Bazar only to get a lamp, proposes to bring me to his friend's shop, what I accept. His friend offers me an excellent price for my dream lamp! This is exactly what I was looking for!
I rush to the hotel, because at 18:10, I'm supposed to meet a very good friend. Evren already awaits me with Ceyda, we take a water tram, and we move to Kadikoy - Asian part of Istanbul. It was a great evening in a great company of friends :)
