We left Tbilisi, Georgia at 11:00 am on July 5th, ready for a tough 26-hour bus ride to Istanbul, Turkey. Thankfully, the air conditioning kicked in right away, making the journey surprisingly comfortable. Dariece even managed to snap a picture of me napping shortly after we left.
We arrived in Istanbul around noon, feeling exhausted from just four hours of bus sleep. But the city’s vibrant energy quickly revitalized us. We took the metro to Sirceki, right outside the main tourist hotspot, Sultanamet. The metro ride offered glimpses of Sultanamet’s incredible historic sites, keeping us too excited to nap.
After dropping our bags at the clean and bright Yeni Hostel, we headed straight to Sultanamet. The area is bustling with shops selling everything from carpets and souvenirs to Turkish delights and kebabs. Each shop had enthusiastic touts promoting their products.
Istanbul’s old town is stunning, preserving its ancient beauty amidst the modern hustle and bustle. The cobblestone streets are lively with tourists and locals, occasionally interrupted by trams. We wandered through narrow lanes filled with funky cafes and nargile (waterpipe) shops, feeling the city’s heartbeat grow louder as we neared Sultanamet.
In a beautiful park, we were flanked by the famous Blue Mosque on one side and the 1500-year-old Aya Sofia on the other. We explored the Blue Mosque, where entrance was free, and Dariece was allowed to enter without covering her head, though she chose to do so. The interior was awe-inspiring, and we sat in wonder at the incredible architecture.
The next day, we had breakfast at Can, the restaurant next to our hotel, where the owner Chanan welcomed us warmly. Our regular orders became a comforting routine. Afterward, we visited the Grand Bazaar, a massive covered market district. Despite our budget, we left with bags full of purchases, including a sheesha pipe and some essentials for our bags.
Feeling the strain from days of constant walking, we treated ourselves to a traditional Turkish bath at the 427-year-old Cemberalitas Hammami. The experience was slightly different for men and women, but both Dariece and I loved it. My session involved a thorough scrub, a vigorous massage, and a relaxing time in the steamy, historic marble rooms.
On the third day, we toured the Baslica, an ancient underground water system built by the Byzantines in 522 AD. The vast, eerie space houses 336 massive columns and ghost-like carp swimming in the water. We then sampled famous fish sandwiches near Galata Bridge. Despite the bones and fins, the experience was worthwhile.
Istanbul’s waterfront area is vibrant, with fishermen, boatmen, and vendors creating a lively atmosphere. We spent time at a bar under Galata Bridge, watching the fishermen and enjoying a couple of beers as the sun set and the mosques’ final call to prayer echoed around us.
On our fourth day, we visited Aya Sofya early to avoid the crowds. The historic church-turned-mosque-turned-museum is awe-inspiring, with its enormous dome and beautiful mosaics. We spent hours exploring and photographing the site, admiring its architectural grandeur.
Later, we crossed Galata Bridge to the “New Istanbul” district of Beyoglu. The cobblestone boardwalk is lined with top-brand shops, trendy cafes, and even Starbucks. We enjoyed the bustling street performers, musicians, and vibrant street scene.
On our last day in Istanbul, we said goodbye to Chanan at Can’s restaurant and strolled through the gardens around the walled palace in Sultanamet. The lush greenery and vibrant flowers created a peaceful atmosphere, with locals picnicking and napping in the shade.
We spent the afternoon studying our new Southern Africa Lonely Planet guidebook in anticipation of our flight to Cape Town, South Africa. We’re leaving Turkey’s summer warmth for South Africa’s winter, expecting a significant climate shift. We have a car rented for five weeks, ready to explore the country’s famous sights, coastlines, and wildlife. South Africa, here we come!