Istanbul, Turkey

Istanbul has far exceeded our expectations! We have had such a great time here and would definitely return! There is so much to see and the city is really beautiful. Our hostel was located close to the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia which are both extremely impressive. We went to the Grand Bazaar (over 4000 stores) a few times and every time we went, we were bombarded with guys trying to get us to buy their stuff. They were quite convincing with using lines such as "How can I spend your money" and "Now are you ready to buy your Turkish carpet". We would either just ignore them and keep walking or Traci would nicely try to say "No thankyou". Over the course of our trip, we have come to the conclusion that we as Canadians are probably the most polite people in the world which made us easy tagets at the Grand Bazaar.
We also went to a similar Spice Market that was much smaller than the Grand Bazaar and had mostly spices and teas.
One of the highlights while being here was taking a Turkish Bath. The whole experience was quite different because you are wrapped in only a small towel and someone who you've never met is scrubbing you down. The bath also includes a massage while you are all soaped up. Donovan had a male that really worked him over with hard slaps to the thigh and multiple back cracking techniques. Traci had a woman that bathed her so her time was much more gentle but still a little uncomfortable. However, the whole experience was fun and a must do if you come to Turkey.
We went to Topkapi Palace where the Sultan used to live with his Harem. Friends of ours were recently in Istanbul and we just so happened to run into a friend of theirs that works as a guard at the palace (See the last 2 photos).
Istanbul was our second last stop on our 3 and a half month trip. We are meeting our friend Leah in Paris (who we also met in London at the beginning of our trip) for a few days and then we fly home!



Donovan in front of the Hagia Sophia

The Blue Mosque

Traci at the Spice Market

The Grand Bazaar

Turkish Delight


Traci with Istanbul in the background

Donovan chowing down on some corn from a local vendor

Turkish Bath


Because we couldn't take our camera into the bath with us, here is a picture from the brochure.

Basilica Cistern

Donovan in front of Topkapi Palace

Traci and Janelle's friend from Turkey

Donovan sharing a laugh with his new friend.