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The flight
After 24 hours of flights and transfers I made it to Istanbul. I had a few hiccups along the way but that made it all the more interesting. My trip started off by being seated next to a man that was a bit creepy and wanted me to visit him in Serbia! Once in Abu Dhabi I thought I could relax a little... Until I got lost in the wrong terminal and nearly missed my flight. On the next flight I was seated next to an overweight man that took up some of my personal space! All I could think about was meeting Elyse at the airport.
Airport reunion
It was a lot easier finding Elyse than what I had thought. I was standing in a huge line to get my visa and I heard a little Aussie (with part pom) voice calling out to me. I had tears rolling as soon as I heard her.... I just couldn't get to her as there were lots I cranky people in front of me! Finally we were reunited and didn't stop talking until our heads hit the pillow (well apparently I was talking to her in my sleep)... !! Our taxi ride was a bit on the scary side. We had close to three major crashes and spent most of the time crossing lanes due to not watching where he was going (perhaps looking at who was in the back).
Exploring Istanbul
It is certainly one beautiful city with a lot of history. We spent the first few hours looking left and right and up and down like over-excited little Jack Russels. On our first night we sat on cushions in a restaurant, had shisha (the smooth flavoured water pipe/smoke), tried different Turkish cuisine and caught up on the last year of chats.
The tourist bus was a good way to start our exploration of the city. We nearly got hypothermia from being on the top deck in the high winds and rain... But once we became numb we were able to take in all of the sites (and some info). We stopped at the spice market and looked around the market. Turkish men do not understand NO... They tend to be the main ones out the front of shops trying to get you to go in (and chasing you down the streets). At the spice markets we didn't try and spices.... But we did have BBQ corn, bagels and Turkish delight. We had read that you could buy fish off some bobbing boats so we went searching and found them. We sat down in the hustle of it all and ate fish on a roll with onion and lettuce. Elyse got adventurous and had other interesting things on hers :)
We went to a Turkish hamami (bath). We weren't too sure what to expect but decided it was a 'must do' experience whilst in Turkey. The bath that we went to was opened in 1584. It was magnificent inside. They gave us pants to put on (with a towel). When we got to the marble beds, the Turkish women ripped our towels off!! They then ordered us to sit, roll, stand and so on. Our whole bodies got exfoliated and scrubbed. We then soaked in a warm tub. We felt very relaxed (and smooth) afterwards so we went to a cafe and sat on bean bags in the sun and indulged in MORE food and tea.
My mum won't believe me on this one, but all I have bought is a little cotton purse and a flag patch for my bag. The Grand Bizarre is next on the list so ill be sure to buy a few things there.
That is all for now... We still have a couple of days in Istanbul before we head off to Gallipoli. MMM breakfast show hosts were sitting across from me on the plane and it turns out they are going to be on the Gallipoli tour with my group so tune into MMM if you want to hear live updates about where I am and what I am up to!
Love to all xx
- comments
Aunty Ki Oh Em! Beautifully written, I could almost taste the fish rolls and feel the manhandling of your trip to the baths! What a wonderful way to start your adventures! can't wait for your next adventures, love you xx
Mumma So good to hear all the news. Have tears in my eyes. Keep saying NO!!! Will wait till you have been to the Grand Bizarre and then see how good you are at shopping!!! Look forward to some photos. Cuddle to Elyse. Miss you xx
Brendy Boyyy Sounds pretty good so far Emi! I agree with your Mumma! hehe.. Love xx
steveshazzephsaxjosh Hi ya Dingo; was great to catch up at Muzzies few weeks ago. We ve all had an awesome holiday & now in Newcastle at the outlaws; its Anzac Day so are off with kidz to cheer on the diggers & march past. Thinking of you at Gallipoli, it must be so emotional; all those brave young men. - stay safe & big hugs from the Ashrams.
Jane Pope Hi Em, loving your blogs, I am traveling vicariously !!! Lots of love Janem xxxxxxxxx