We decided against going to the Princes Islands, the vibe was that it is very touristy!
So Kristin decided we needed to go back to the Grand Bazaar (hmm maybe that's why we didn't go to Princes Islands!).
From the Bazaar we headed further out on the tramline to the old city walls. These are the original walls built over 1000 years ago to defend Istanbul from sieges. The walls have 2 parts, the land walls and the sea walls. These can still be seen in different parts of the city.
As we walked along the walls, we went to yet another impressive mosque and to the Chora museum.
We then wandered the streets to the Golden Horn through Balat. Balat was a very old and poor area of Istanbul.
From Balat we walked along the water's edge back to Eminonu, about 4 km, at least it was flat.
From Eminonu we caught the tram back to the Hagia Sophia. Even though we saw it in 2009, we just had to go in again...we weren't disappointed.
Personally I think to key to seeing lots of Istanbul is to master the transport system. It is all integrated and with the one card ( for 2 people) and can be used on the tram, metro, ferries and even a funicular. The secret is to get the transport to the top of the hill, then wander downhill. Istanbul is very hilly.
After a little rest we decided to go out for dinner. We were about to go to a restaurant, when a portable doner kebab man wheeled his bbq pass.
We bought 2 kebabs and a couple of beers and found our way to waterfront of the Sea of Marmara. As good as a meal we have had in Istanbul!
I'm writing this on the way to Brasov. We caught a flight to
Bucharest and are on a mini-bus with wi-fi on 3 hour trip ti Brasov.
Cheers,
A & K
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