Ireland-2-Turkey 2024

Up at 2:30am! Showered and now at the airport. Just checked in!

Now waiting for the gate number to be announced before boarding at 4:30am for my 5:05am flight to Istanbul. Gate 401 and l have a window seat!

We took off about five minutes later than the schedule departure time. But, it wasn’t long before we were heading down the runway.

And then we were airborne over Antalya.

It wasn’t long before we were ascending into Istanbul coming in over the bay.

A photo coming into Istanbul.

And, we’ve landed safely!

Now waiting for my baggage to arrive at carousel 5 before finding my way to the train station. It was easy to find my way to the train station. I did have to scratch my head to work out the ticketing system.

But it wasn’t too hard … l just hope l have brought the correct ticket!

There was a train waiting at the station. I’m now on my way to old city Istanbul.

The first train ride occurred without little trouble. I was really nervous about getting off at the right stop. I kept checking my phone every stop. Then l realised l only needed to keep an eye on this above the door.

At each stop the light at the station turns blue and stays blue until the end of the trip. Once l realised this l relaxed and entertained myself trying to say the name of each station. The train would announce each station as we came into them. I was way off in being able to say the names of most of the stations! There were one or two l came close to nearly getting right!

When I surfaced from the underground metro station I was met with grey rainy sky!

I made my way to the hotel l’m staying at to drop off my backpack. Then headed for the Egyptian Bazzar.

The street slippery under foot and l nearly took a tumble. A photo looking down a narrow side street on my way to the bazaar.

It was before 9am and many of the shop’s weren’t open. I eventually found the Egyptian Bazaar. It was an interesting place with all types of spices on display.

An assortment of dried fruits.

A selfie from inside the bazaar. There were lots of Turkish delight on display.

When l was about to leave the bazaar a loud siren sounded and everyone stopped and stood still.

I wonder what that was about? I eventually asked someone and they said today is the passing of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk. He passed away on the 10th of November 1938.

Anyway, l walked around the side of the bazaar and found an area that had birds in cages.

I thought l better take a photo of the cockatoo! I decided it was time for breakfast. I’ve been on the go since 2:30am! I found a nice place and settle in for breakfast.

I then headed across the street to the bank museum.

It set out the history of banking in Turkey. Another selfie inside the museum.

They had some pretty strong doors to the vault.

I had a look at where they kept all the safety deposit boxes.

I tried but couldn’t get into any! Then l headed off to wander around Istanbul some more. A photo of a row of ATMs lining the street.

I then stumbled across the Alay Pavilion where the sultan to watch ceremonies.

A photo of the historic plaque. Then a photo of the actual pavilion.

I’m amazed at the kindness shown by the Turkish people towards the street cats. It’s not uncommon to see them stop and pull out a bag of dry cat food and feed the stray cats.

Another photo of the blue mosque.

I found a place for lunch as l had to wait until 1pm for the tour of the Basilica Cistern.

After lunch it was off to Basilica Cistern.

It was well worth seeing and certainly better to prebook and have a tour guide to skip ahead of the large queue!

Of course l had to take a selfie on the inside.

A few photos …

I love reflection in the shallow still water.

A photo of different type of pillars with the cistern.

A photo of Medusa on the bottom of two columns.

And …

The story goes it only took 12 months to build the cistern. They were able to build it within such a short time frame because the used columns recycled from Greece.

After spending some time at the cistern l headed back to the hotel. This is my room.

And the bathroom

I really think it’s time to head home. I’m starting to get pissy with people!