Tuesday, September 2, 2008

Last day in Istanbul

Hi friends and family! Merhaba! (Hello!)

Today, like every day, seems like it has been a long day.

At 9:15 the group saddled up and left for the docks. Unfortunately, Aydin wasn't feeling too well so Dr. Paul stayed behind to take care of him. We arrived at the docks just in time and pushed off. The morning had perfect weather, just like most of the days we've been here. As the ferry started chugging up the Marmara sea to the mouth of the river, the wind picked up. The wind felt wonderful as the sun peeked out from behind the clouds every now and again. The steady rock of the boat was soothing, but annoying for some... (Especially those trying to steady piping hot apple tea!) Cameras were whipped out quickly to capture light reflecting off the water and  sights seen from the sidewalk, but now have turned wondrous. 


I loved the crisp air blowing across my face and the smell of salt wafting up from the spray of water against the boat. The boat crossed under the first bridge, the Bogazici bridge. This bridge is one of two bridges and is the older. We saw many palaces and interesting sights close up to the left of the boat. There were all sorts of different kind of ships and houses on the coast. A dock had been turned into some kind of spa place and had a huge swimming pool on it! I bet if you were to swim in it, you would think you were swimming in the Bosphorus. Near the second bridges, the Fatih Sultan Mehmet, we started turning around. Here there is a fortress called the Rumeli Fortress. In this photo you can see the second bridge and fortress.


*(Here's a video clip of us on the Bosphorus :) you may have to tilt your screen for optimal viewing... http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-7823907846269217089&hl=en )

Since our days have been pretty packed and this day was our last full day in Istanbul, we were given some free time to explore and shop around before meeting back up at 6. Most of us explored the Spice Bazaar to look for gifts like Turkish delight, tea, coffee, and other presents. 

Some of us desired to go back to the Grand (Covered) Bazaar to pick up specific items, so we went there for an hour or so. 

After the Bazaars, the group I was in went back to the hotel to do laundry, pack, and take naps. Other students explored the city to talk with turks, buy carpets, and walk around. At 5:15, Ramona, Jasmine, Julian, Alex, and I set out to find the meeting place for dinner: Galata Tower. Forget the tram, we walked. 
And walked. And walked. 
Over the bridge, through traffic, to Galata Tower we go.
Now to get up to the tower, one must climb a small mountain... and looking back, I wish I would've taken a picture of the staircase that put my endurance skills to shame. 

Dinner, however, is another story. A short distance away we arrived at Evi-Galata House. This building has a long history; including taking identity as a prison, police station, residence, and restaurant. The food served is mostly Georgian and Russian,... aka, delicious!
 
By the time the chocolate cake was served, everyone expressed immense satisfaction. 


Leaving Evi-Galata, we took the tram back (thank goodness!). Even though it was getting late the streets were packed with people breaking fast from Ramadan. It was like a huge carnival had settled into town between the Ayasofia (pictured) and Blue Mosque.


Kids were eating cotton candy, families were buying toys and food, and sidewalks were bursting with people. Traffic was terrible so we easily crossed the street and headed back. Chelsea and I bought some pistachio and caramel ice cream on the way back. The flavor was very unique but we enjoyed it.

I'm sure you have enjoyed seeing our pictures and reading our blogs. But these representations do only that. The experience that I have had in Istanbul is not one I'll easily forget. And even though I'm so far behind in my daily journal that I don't want to think about it, I believe that recounting the stories and places I've been to won't be difficult. 
I hope :)

I have really enjoyed my stay and look forward to Bursa tomorrow. Which... is in a few hours so I'll be off. From Turkey, Allahaismarladik! (Goodbye!)

Meagan

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Sounds like you are all having fun and learning a lot. I really appreciate reading your blogs and check the website every day to keep up with your adventures. Great photos too!

Doug