So we left really early to make our way to the ferry terminal that will take us across to Yalova and then a drive to Bursa. The smell of the sea and the seagulls flying in the air looks like something from the TV and I’m standing there looking at the beautiful views trying to take everything in so that it will remain in my memory.
We then had another two hours drive to Istanbul and this was where Effa and I shopped for really lots of stuff…and I really mean lots! We were finally at the Grand Bazaar. I couldn’t take much pictures because we were laden with lots of bags it was really inconvenient.
The Grand Bazaar
BUT of course I can’t miss the opportunity to take a picture with at least one Turk before I leave the next day.
I asked if we could take a photo together and he said "Why not". Therefore he's Mr Very "Why Not" Handsome coz i dunno his name.
We bought earrings from this father and son team. They look so much alike.
People were extra friendly and by this I meant they are quite flirty especially this thick skinned old man who kept flirting with Effa (I can laugh at that everytime I think about it). Effa and I were quite uncomfortable at first because the shopkeepers were all men but after awhile we got used to it and shop, shop, shop.
We had lunch in a Chinese restaurant and the uncles and aunties were really happy because their stomachs were finally satisfied.
After lunch was our Bosphorus cruise. The purpose of this cruise was for us to see both sides of Turkey; the Europe side and the Asia side. The Bosphorus Bridge which connects the two continents is just enchanting.
We had one hour in the spice bazaar but Effa and I didn’t spend much this time around. We just looked around, watch people and see how people live. It’s really a breath of fresh air to see the culture and people of Istanbul. It’s somewhere I know I can live in. I feel like I can belong in the crowd.
Along our way to the Istanbul Euro Plaza hotel, Murat, the other tour guide introduced us to Taksim Square, the heart of Istanbul. He said that it’s the equivalent of Times Square in New York and Trafalgar Square in London…just how fascinating is that? I didn’t have plans in mind to drop by Taksim since we have about three hours before our dinner but Jenny, one of the lady in our tour group coax us and I gave in. I was so glad she did that because Taksim was where I found my pair of boots. I was so happy because Taksim is my place. It’s a nice shopping street and I’m just so happy right there among the crowds, browsing through sale items, going in and out of one shop to the next. We saw M.A.C., Accessorize, Diesel, Puma, Adidas, Nike and so much more it’s like Orchard Road.
Oh I love Taksim Square!!!
Just look at the streets, it's just so happening!
But of course we avoided buying anything from these shops because we can find them in Singapore. We instead shop in shops that can only be found in Turkey. Effa bought a cute dress and did I mention I bought a pair of boots….at only SGD28??? I regretted not buying a second pair.
After two and a half hours walking the streets of Taksim, we made our way to the hotel, drop our stuff, take our camera, change into my new pair of boots and went back down for a drive to the place where we had dinner and be entertained by belly dancers and folk dancers.
It’s a sad realization that this was the end. I had a mix of emotions and most of it was sadness that I have to leave this beautiful country.
