Last day in Istanbul, sadly! There is always a bit of trepidation as I launch into a new country, wondering what it will bring. Wondering how I’ll manage it all. But today was nice. Istanbul is now so familiar and easy to get around. So I set out and made my way back to my favourite haunts…Up to Istikial Cadassi, through the fish markets just pottering. Then to a couple of Museums Id missed last time and wanted to see. One of them has a terrific exhibition of Street art that was rather wonderful. Then back to my favourite restaurant for lunch and had my yummy goats cheese salad with pomegranate dressing…delicious. Then i sauntered back down the massive hill to the tram and back to Sultanahmet. Then I decided to have one last wander through the Grand Bazaar. The first day I saw some earrings I really liked and have tried to find the place again each time I’ve walked through the Bazaar. Thought Id have one last try but once again couldn’t find the place for love or money. Every time I go to the Bazaar I get lost and have to walk around endlessly working out how to get where I’m going…but all enjoyable.
I came back to the hotel about 4 and spent the next couple of hours trying to figure out my photos and how to get a few up on Facebook. I think I finally achieved this but rather indiscriminately I fear.
Anyhow then I took off back to my favourite restaurant for tea and had stuffed mussels (the best thing in all the world), followed by fried anchovies…yummy.
Chris told me about this restaurant, it is fabulous but in a bit of a dodgy area for an after dark solo walk, not that Ive ever felt in the least bit threatened. Showered now and getting myself organised for fairly early departure tomorrow.