Our last full day in Turkey 🙁
We kicked off the day with a foggy trip along the Bosphorus, the stretch of water that runs through Istanbul, and separates Europe from Asia. This gave us the opportunity to get a better perspective on some sites, and see a number of sites that are only visible from the water.
The Bosphorus Bridge was built in 1973, and is only open to vehicles. Pedestrians are only allowed on it once a year by ballot, to cheer on the Istanbul Marathon. Apparently a few years ago, the bridge was packed solid with supporters when it started to sway under the weight… Ugh!
Along the route are a number of castles and summer houses built for the rulers of the day. These are now dotted between the multi-million dollar houses and nightclubs for the rich and famous.
Also on the Bosphorus this morning was the Savarona, the ship that belonged to Ataturk. This beautiful ship is still used by the President of Turkey, and was a striking feature of the Gallipoli Peninsula for the ANZAC Commemoration.
It was certainly a new experience to share a river with an operating submarine (actually a little creepy) and it left us wondering where they fit in modern warfare – they seem like something you only read about in the 20th century!
As we hopped off the Bosphorus tour we headed into the Spice Market – the aroma in this market was amazing, with fresh spices, dried fruit and sweets on show. No wonder the food here is so good!
Istanbul was in a minor state of chaos for most of the day with roads closed, traffic jams, and incessant beeping of horns. We hadn’t seen or heard of anything around the city, but there was unquestionably a cycling race on… the last day of the Tour of Turkey. If I hadn’t organised the itinerary then there is no way I’d believe it was a coincidence, as Andrew ditched the opportunity to see another mosque and spend time in the Spice Bazaar in favour of watching Mark Cavendish lose the race, but win the tour.
Our afternoon was spent at Dolmabahce Palace, built between 1843-56. This ‘modern’ palace was built to replace Topkapi Palace and visiting royalty and dignatories are still hosted in the Grand Ceremonial Hall, with Europe’s biggest chandelier of 600 crystals and weighing 4.5 tonnes – quite a sight!
As we waited to enter the palace we witnessed Turkish entrepreneurship at its finest. Rain started to fall, and the other two members of our tour group headed off to find an umbrella, assured by our guide that they were 5 lira. We all had a laugh when they came back 10 lira lighter… Inflation because “it’s raining!”.Thankfully, our guide then stood in the cold, wet queue on our behalf while we grabbed tea… Definitely above and beyond. Having said that, every one of our guides have been exceptional – knowledgable and so professional. We quizzed one of them along the way, and learned that to guides must complete a 4 year Bachelor Degree to learn all the history and sites of Turkey, followed by a 40 day practical component in the area they want to specialise, and then pass English exams. Only then are they accredited professionals. It shows the commitment that this country has to tourism!
So, all that is left on our last evening is to grab a few more photos and a couple of souvenirs, and pack the bags before heading home tomorrow. Why do these trips have to go so quickly?
Love M & theBunch xxx
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