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28th September
As I sit here eating birthday cake and drinking a glass of water- compliments of the hotel, I reflect back on what an amazing week I have had. Thank you everyone for your cards, calls and birthday greetings on Facebook- I truly feel blessed by being so loved.
We had a big adventure today, and not all of it went according to plan- but that doesn't matter, what matters is that we have capacity to move past small bumps, and focus on the bigger picture.
Today was the day to see the Grand Bazaar- well I have to admit, I did not realise just how big it was. But Oh before that, I had an unnerving experience which I will share now. You know how I said owners of business will come out and try and get you to come in and eat, or drink in their establishment- well this morning was no different. The only thing was when he had finished trying to get us in and Peter said no thank you, a little girl about 5 years old, took my hand and started speaking to me- rubbing my hand and begging (well my intuition said she was begging). Well everyone knows me and my heart for kids, but this was so wrong- I released her hand from mine, while continuing to walk. I can come across as very hard- unemotional when need be- and this did not feel right in any sense of the word.
Peter bless him is so polite, and apologetic if you will, and I just hold my hand up to say - NO, but not in a rude why- well I hope it is not perceived as rude-and you know what…….If I am then so be it- I don't have the emotional empathy to engage with them all.
Back to the Grand Bazaar- it was grand to be sure. Everything you think you might ever want and more. We saw gold rings on dummies for goodness sake, things made out of camel bone, and lots of gold jewellery- and amber.
There are people walking around selling tea and coffee, just like on all the ferries - which is a great way for them to being making a living- take the product to the customer. The road side stands here sell- hot corn on the cob, and these huge bread things. You see men go by with huge bags of the bread on their heads etc. There are even sellers, serving hot Turkish tea in glasses to the fishermen on the bridge.
The colours of the tiles are just amazing, especially when you think how old they are.
'The Grand Bazaar in Istanbul is one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world, with 61 covered streets and over 4,000 shops which attract between 250,000 and 400,000 visitors daily. In 2014, it was listed No.1 among the world's most-visited tourist attractions with 91,250,000 annual visitors'.
'Istanbul is a major city in Turkey that straddles Europe and Asia across the Bosphorus Strait. Its Old City reflects cultural influences of the many empires that once ruled here. In the Sultanahmet district, the open-air, Roman-era Hippodrome was for centuries the site of chariot races, and Egyptian obelisks also remain. The iconic Byzantine Hagia Sophia features a soaring 6th-century dome and rare Christian mosaics.' Its population was 15.03million in 2017- it is huge.
Today we went back over to the Asia side, with the intention to walk from Asia- back over to Europe across the bridge which we can see from our Hotel window. Its 1.2 miles in length and after some consideration by the time we had already walked miles this morning then walked miles from the ferry terminal Uskudar pier we realised we had bitten off more than we could chew. Peter did challenge me, and I let that slide once we got half way along the waterfront lol. I don't normally leave a challenge - but it must be turning a year older and wiser- lol.
5 minute ferry back over to Besiktas- Kadikoy Pier and a cold beer sounded better to both of us.
Back to the hotel after a little ticky tour and then the nice hot shower and read.
The Sun is still shining, and Peter has booked us a lovely dinner out tonight at the Akintiburnu Restaurant - talk about a special birthday, that I will never forget. We have only 1 full day left, but I am not focusing on that, as life is about the present- this moment, so I think I will go and brush my teeth after that yummy cake.
Blessings Assalamu
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