We set off today to just do a few things each independently. So I went off to have a last poke around the Grand Bazaar. And Chris went to buy some last minute things she wanted.
Going again to the Grand Bazaar showed a bit of poor judgement just because by the time I trudged all the way up there through the very hot and very crowded streets, it was basically time to trudge all the way back to meet Chris for lunch. I poked around for a short time then back down I came through those crowded streets being assaulted by seething humanity along with pushers, bikes, trolleys, hawkers…you name it. So hot too!!
I had to get to the other side of the Galata Bridge and then up Istekele Cadessi to one of my favourite cafe’s, the Ara Cafe. So I trammed over the bridge, then got on the ‘Tunel’ (a tram in a tunnel) to get up to the street, then walked along the street. It is a cafe that was the house of Ara Gunel, a very famous Turkish photographer. And today he was there sitting in the Cafe…that was a real treat. He’s now 90 and has a young man with him who brings him in in his wheelchair.
Chris and I then went our own ways again as Chris is out searching for cushion covers she wants. So I wandered down the very steep hill and through the narrow streets like yesterday looking in the beautiful and often very trendy shops. I got down, back on the ferry, and back over to Kardokoy for the last time…i.e. crossing the Bosphorus for the last time…maybe the last time ever. It is so beautiful, so alive with ferries and merchant ships, I’m so happy to have spent this time here.
Back in our room I write this before starting the task of packing up and getting ready to get the bus out to the airport early in the morning. Tonight we have bought some food to eat in. Some Mezze and some sweeties and our mandatory bottle of wine. Chris went off and got supplies this morning so we’re all set up. In the interests of packing I’ll sent this now so I can close up the computer. Hopefully we’ll actually catch the plane tomorrow and I’ll write again from Roma.
We spend the weekend in Rome and then on up to Trieste. We’re both looking forward to hitting the ocean.