Back into Istanbul today. On the way in, we passed a stray cat nursing her litter. People round here really do take care of the strays — she had a line-up of what looked like little milk puddings set up beside her!
The first thing we did was to have breakfast from a kiosk on the waterfront, just beside the place where you can buy tickets for a Bosphorus cruise.
The next thing we did was to buy the ticket, and board the shuttle bus to the boat. Soon we were spending a couple of hours cruising up Haliç (The Golden Horn), and then a longer leg up and down the Bosphorus. Most enjoyable and relaxing, and we met a family juat arrived in from South Africa, and a couple of Dutch girls who were here to have a great time. We'll let the pictures speak for themselves.
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The waterside parks are well used!
The tour boats squeeze under some of the bridges!
This tour boat was in port for at least three days!
The Hams (courtesy of the Girls!)
We've been told that a dusk visit to the Ortoköy Mosque
beneath the Bosphorus Bridge is de rigeur!
We went up as far as the Fatih Sultan Mehmet Köprüsü (Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge)
before coming about.
From here, we walked past the Ahi Celebi Mosque (also known as "Kanlı Fırın Mosque" and "Yemisciler Mosque"), built between 1480 and 1500. It was burned in fires in 1539 and 1652, and severely damaged in the earthquake of 1862, but is still a very popular mosque. Friday prayer was just beginning as we came past, so we didn't try to look at it too closely.
Instead, we walked up to the Spice Bazaar ('Mısır Çarşısı', or 'Egyptian Bazaar'). This covered bazaar dates back to 1660. Although other types of stalls have started to invade the area, there are still a lot of spice merchants. It is just heaven to walk through here inhaling the heady aromas of the herbs and spices — and teas!
The Spice Bazaar is closely associated with the New Mosque, and the overflow for Jumu'ah (Friday prayer) fills many of the arcades in and around the Spice Bazaar, as the khuṭbah (sermon) is piped throughout the bazaar.
We made our way back by the light rail to the Metro station, and back to Kumköy, and Mistik Camping. Our Turkish Aygaz cylinder ran out last night, but we found a shop in the village where we could get a replacement! So all's well with the Hams — for now!
Distance driven — today, nil; to date, 22,733 miles ( 36,586 km )
Looks like a mosquey day.. Loved the cat and the care. We haven't seen our bub yet, but Brydie apparently had quite a tear and a graze, so I guess she won't feel up to driving her little red tearabout for a while yet. Must get Nick to ask Jay to send a photo or two to me email. I don't use facebook at all, tho' I gather there is a lot for the kids on it-their business, not mine! Oh well, another week will let Astral rest properly after the birth. I gather mum and dad take her out for walks in her pram and since its been sunny that's good. Please keep safe, Love Cathy. PS have done the first 2 bits of my Lit review (and the references as well), so only 8 more to go. Have had enough today. Have to go to a workshop for casual teaching staff tomorrow, to get an idea about teaching at FUSA. What fun! Still, revision never hurts. Llove ya, Cathy..
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to Jonno too, Happy Birthday dear Warren, Happy Birthday to you! Love Cathy
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