Ireland-2-Turkey 2024

I was wake before calm to prayer today. Before heading down to breakfast l did a little research on getting to Gallipoli.

I’m leaving on the 9am bus tomorrow.

Then down for my typical Turkish breakfast in the hotel.

Then I sent off on foot to find the grand bazar. According to Google maps it is only a 18 minute walk.

In my way l saw done interesting stuff for sale in shop windows.

There were various sweets of all types for sale.

Luggage for sale

And just plan tourist junk

A photo looking down a street towards the bay.

I brought a cap more suited to the warmer climate.

I eventually found my way to the grand bazar.

Then the actual entrance into the bazar.

But before you can go in you need to walk through a metal detector. But, l’m not sure why. Everyone who went in before me set off the buzzer and the just waved them through.

Once inside you are met by a sea of Turkish flag hanging from the ceiling.

Shops everywhere selling practically everything from shoes

To gold and silver jewellery

A mental note to self! It’s important to take some time to orientate yourself before getting to far in the bazar. Drop a pin in Google maps as somewhere to Gina your way back to.

I don’t know how many times l walk past the washing station trying to find my way out again.

I eventually found my way out with a little help from a shop owner. I was nearly there … just straight ahead for a little bit then right.

Then l set off in the direction of the blue mosque. The street outside the bazar was packed.

A quick attempt at being creative at the entrance to yet another mosque.

Then a snap of the Turkish flag above the entrance to a university.

A kebab anyone? They had just started the gas burner as l walked past and thought l better take a quick snap. This is how your late night kebabs after being on the booze start out.

I eventually arrived at the blue mosque only to continually be approached by Turks asking where l was from and do they have a deal for me.

Then l found the line to the entrance to the blue mosque. I stood in a stone to see how long the line was. It was way too long for my liking.

I then decided to make my way back to my accommodation. I passed another spire of some type in the way back to my hotel.

I had planned on having a rest back at the hotel. But as sitting down and having a coke and snickers l thought the day is only half done. I had a quick chat to reception.

Next thing l know I’m on my way for a deep tissue massage. I was picked up in an electric buggy.

Then we were off.

The buggy is electric and great for getting in and out of congested Istanbul traffic. It has a smooth ride on seal roads but is a bit rough on cobble stone back streets.

I saw a guy getting a kiss from his dog through his office window as we waited at one of the traffic choke points.

Then a selfie of me enjoying the ride in the back of the buggy.

We arrived at our destination l think the long way to get there. But, pick up was included in the price to the massage.

I made payment then was taken to the elevator. It wasn’t until the receptionist press floor number minus 3 l started to wonder what l might have gotten myself into.

But all good. Valuables locked away, my clothes put away, the a small Turkish tea to drink while they go things ready.

I will say, the female masseuse, had me on the table with a towel over me as she did the initial assessment feel thingy. Then without warning she cracked my back.

I truly didn’t know whether to cry or fart at the shock! I’m happy to report l did neither.

Overall, the massage was great. But, if l was to go it again l would try something else than the deep tissue massage. I’m still hurting!

It’s my last night in Istanbul before hoping on the bus for Gelibolu tomorrow. I decided to go out and shout myself a meal.

I asked reception for a recommendation. I was sent to a place on the foreshore. I found my way there (and, again, I nearly got run over)!

It was on of those places where you have to scan a QR code thing. Frick that! So l left and found my way to a place called the Hippodrome.

I was the only one in there (it was typical a time your grandparents would have dinner). The owner was doing some business sitting on the other side of the room.

They had jazz playing in the background. They even had a physical menu! I ordered spaghetti bolognaise, the seasonal salad snd a Fanta.

My evening meal …

I certainly can recommend the Hippodrome if you’re ever in Istanbul. Then a short 5 minute walk back to my hotel. I’m now just finishing packing for tomorrow’s trip.