Istanbul, Turkey

Istanbul was incredible. The sheer size of the place was insane. Well that and the diversity of culture. When I was first told we were spending seven nights there I was surprised and worried we were going to grow bored. To my delight that did not happen. The obvious tourist sights were no let down, and this entry will be backed up with photos to come. The Blue Mosque and the Grand Bazaar were the two most obvious attractions and both as impressive as each other. Being with a large group of girls, hours, bordering days, we're spent in the Grand Bazaar. With over 6000 stores, there was plenty to see , plenty of haggling, and plenty spent. Purchases over the group ranged from jewelry, cashmere, watches, carpet bags, shoes and knock off handbags. Everyone had tales to tell and bags upon bags to carry at the end of the day. 

Going back to the diversity of culture for a minute, Istanbul was surprising for several reasons. Obviously because of its geographical location, there was the apparent meeting of eastern and western culture. On street level Islamic culture was at the forefront. With mosques on every corner, traditional dress combined with modern fashion, the call to prayer ringing out five times a day, and shisha  cafes littered all over the city, you were regularly reminded that you were no longer in Europe. Contrastingly, there were streets that felt very european, many much nicer than what we have seen so far. One street in particular felt like a street in Surry Hills. With  boutique shops/cafes  by day and wine bars by night there was a comforting familiarity with parts of Istanbul. 

The nightlife was an interesting mix of Turkish house and pop with European house. Bars and clubs alike were lively, and almost as importantly, friendly. Maybe it was the fact that we were in an Islamic state, or that we were in a nice area, or both, that throughout our whole stay I felt very safe in an otherwise overwhelming city. Bars filled cobbled streets and beers were being served in glass milk bottles. Staff and patrons friendly and helpful alike. There wasn't much not to like about this place.  A quiet Sunday evening saw us take to karaoke for Nicks birthday. At first we were the only people in there singing the worst collection of songs, or the best depending on how many beers deep you were. By the time Turkish locals arrived, some hours later, my familiarity with Turkish pop music was tested, however that didn't stop me from steeling a mic, butchering a song, and making new friends. It was ambitious to say the least. Some of us had early nights than others, namely Nick due to too many birthday shots at the bar. Can't say the same for myself. I ran out of money luckily. 

Jen and I on the main harbour front.

It is impossible to do this vast and expansive city justice with only a handful of photos, however here is one of part of Istanbul from across the pond.

Jen in the Hagia Sophia. The low hanging lights make this place.

Jen and I with one of numerous mosques standing mightily in the background.

Jen and Giselle in front of the newer palace. Unfortunatley no photos were allowed to be taken inside. The highlight was one of the many chandeliers, which at the time of purchase, was the biggest in the world. 

A black and white snap of the palace.

One of over 6000 stores in the Grand Bizarre.