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Brenton Kovacs's Travels
29/12/2010
Today is a little cold and damp. Apparently the days before we arrived, Istanbul was having nice mild weather, around 16 degrees C. Anyway this did not hamper our plans. The first stop was the spice markets. A lot smaller than the Grand Bazaar, but fragrance of all the spices was amazing.
On the dock there are small fishing boats selling freshly caught and cooked. We bought the traditional fish sandwich, really good.
Caught the tram to Taksim Square, and wandered down Istiklal street. A very nice pedestrian friendly shopping area. Lots of old historical buildings.
Had to stop for lunch and warm up. We had 2 bowls of soup, chicken schnitzel and desert plus 2 coffees for $13AU. Great value and great food.
Re-visited the Blue Mosque(inside this time, as last time it was closed for prayer). It is quite magical inside. Lots of people queuing to get in, and you must take your shoes off before entering.
30/12/2010
Had to rise bright and early today. Left for the Airport at 7am for our 9.50am flight with Olympia Air. All went smoothly and we arrived in Athens. Little warmer her, blue sky and no rain. The rental car with Avis was a problem. The car the gave us (Vectra)had a problem with the cigarette lighter socket, so our GPS unit would not get charged. After about half an hour they decided to give us a newer car. We now have a new Saab 9-3 with lots of bells and whistles including a TV. Not bad for 135 euros for 4 days.
Stopped at Corinth for lunch, and took a few pics of the Corinth Canal. If you want to read more about the canal copy this link into the address bar. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Corinth_Ca nal
The drive from Corinth the Olympia was very scenic. Climbing the mountains with many hillside villages keeping the pace very slow. The road was very narrow in parts and the average speed was down to 30kph. Very clean and lovely scenery. Arrived at the hotel just on Sunset.
Seems it is off peak here as there is only us and a few other guests.
Tomorrow we will visit the Original site where the very first Olympic games were held.
Today is a little cold and damp. Apparently the days before we arrived, Istanbul was having nice mild weather, around 16 degrees C. Anyway this did not hamper our plans. The first stop was the spice markets. A lot smaller than the Grand Bazaar, but fragrance of all the spices was amazing.
On the dock there are small fishing boats selling freshly caught and cooked. We bought the traditional fish sandwich, really good.
Caught the tram to Taksim Square, and wandered down Istiklal street. A very nice pedestrian friendly shopping area. Lots of old historical buildings.
Had to stop for lunch and warm up. We had 2 bowls of soup, chicken schnitzel and desert plus 2 coffees for $13AU. Great value and great food.
Re-visited the Blue Mosque(inside this time, as last time it was closed for prayer). It is quite magical inside. Lots of people queuing to get in, and you must take your shoes off before entering.
30/12/2010
Had to rise bright and early today. Left for the Airport at 7am for our 9.50am flight with Olympia Air. All went smoothly and we arrived in Athens. Little warmer her, blue sky and no rain. The rental car with Avis was a problem. The car the gave us (Vectra)had a problem with the cigarette lighter socket, so our GPS unit would not get charged. After about half an hour they decided to give us a newer car. We now have a new Saab 9-3 with lots of bells and whistles including a TV. Not bad for 135 euros for 4 days.
Stopped at Corinth for lunch, and took a few pics of the Corinth Canal. If you want to read more about the canal copy this link into the address bar. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Corinth_Ca nal
The drive from Corinth the Olympia was very scenic. Climbing the mountains with many hillside villages keeping the pace very slow. The road was very narrow in parts and the average speed was down to 30kph. Very clean and lovely scenery. Arrived at the hotel just on Sunset.
Seems it is off peak here as there is only us and a few other guests.
Tomorrow we will visit the Original site where the very first Olympic games were held.
- comments
Adrya Kovarch Yum yum - I wouldn't mind trying that!
Adrya Kovarch The smells must have been incredible!
Adrya Kovarch Looks very cold and wet.
Adrya Kovarch I just love Arabic architecture and pattern and design - they are so very intricate and beautiful.
Adrya Kovarch This looks very steep - cut through rock. I will have to look up what they use it for.
Adrya Kovarch How very aesthetic - looks like Europe especially Greece.