The Hustle and The Bustle.

The Bustle

The second day of my Istanbul Adventure would definitely be described as the Bustle. It was a busy full day of seeing the major historic sights the city has to offer. I feel as though I don't want to go into too much detail though. I am realizing that after seeing so many churches, cathedrals, mosques, castles and palaces that you start comparing them to one another instead of seeing them for what they are in and of themselves. Over the course of my travels and this travel blog I have encountered  lot of historic sights, and frankly enjoyed all of them to some extant. Today though I don't feel like going into great detail. But for those of you reading that may visit this beautiful city one day I will sum them up for you. On day two I covered the Topkapi Palace, The Blue Mosque, The Basilica Cistern, The Grand Bazaar, and the Hagia Sophia. All of which make the list of must see sites not just in Turkey but in eastern Europe in general. Here is the rank and the rundown;

#1. The Basilica Cistern: a pretty unique site with some cool history behind it.

#2. The Grand Bazaar: Although much different than expected still a great market experience.

#3. The Blue Mosque: I enjoyed this one because it's still an active mosque. And it's free.

#4. Hagia Sophia: The Sheer size inside is astounding. But under construction and pretty empty.

#5. Topkapi Palace: Compared to other empires palaces it seems less taken care of and interesting to be in.

The area called Sultanahmet which all of these sites are located in is a cool place to be, and eat, and chill. I might consider it my favorite part of the city so far.

The Hustle

The third day contained far less activities than the first. Just two to be exact. There was a World Championship Rally Cross in town that looked like fun. I have never attending an event like this before and thought it would be cool to check out. As a first timer I quite enjoyed myself, The Rally Racing and Drifting were very entertaining. Definitely something I would attend again somewhere else... maybe where it would be in English.

The second activity of the day was a football match! There are three big clubs in Istanbul, and I was hoping that while i was here i would get to see one of them play. I wanted to see Galatasary play a champions league game but our window was short and so I settled for a Fenerbace match whose lineup touts the like of Van Persie, Nani, and Diego. I'll get to the game, but first, the Hustle. Getting tickets was the most ridiculous process ever. I tried buying them online multiple times before I went but had no luck. So naturally I went to the stadium to buy tickets at the door but I guess that's not how it works. Not only can you not buy tickets at the door but you cant even obtain tickets or yourself without whats called a Passolig card. All of this information was given to me by some fine gentleman on the street. Him and his friends could be described as next level scalpers, very sketchy. The next three hours were spend signing up for the Passolig Card at a dingy Internet cafe and haggling over getting the tickets. It was ridiculous, and almost not worth it... almost. After finally getting into the stadium My two starving friends and I go to get some stadium grub only to realize we had barely enough money to get home after and nothing more. Shame on us I guess.

The game itself was a blast. The loudest sporting event I have ever attended. The home crowd was raucous and rowdy, singing and chanting their hearts out all game pulling for their squad. It was quite the experience. I imagine it was the same kind of atmosphere found in gladiator coliseums back in the day.

We ended the day at Dominos because they took credit card and were still open by the time we got home.

Quite the adventure indeed.

Kings, Colours, and Kebab.

Well, Im back. Travelling the world again and writing about it for your perusal. Sort of. Its mostly for me. Anyway. I am in Turkey, or Istanbul more specifically for the better part of a week. This place has been really high on my list of must see places for the last little while. So much excitement, history and culture to experience and explore. Thus far it has not been a disappointment. My first full day in Istanbul contained a visit to the world famous Spice Bazaar, a Traditional Turkish Hamam Bath House and a delicious Dinner at the Hamdi.

The Bazaar was everything I had expected it to be; loud, crowded, and packed with exciting things to try. To be honest all the pictures online make it look more colourful than it actually was, this however did not take away from the excitement of it all. Bartering for tea and dried fruit while making friends with one of vendors was definitely the highlight. Street markets are a favourite stop of mine in any country. Its a place that if you're lucky, you can often immerse yourself in the culture and experience new great things.

Speaking of new great things. Have you ever experienced a Turkish bath house? It is life changing. In case you have never heard of what goes on, let me break it down for you. The particular bathhouse we chose has been around for roughly 500 years. Its located in a old rugged stone building that looks particularly unassuming. Once you step inside however you really are in a whole new world (ALADDIN REFERENCE! #BOOMNAILEDIT). Its a place designed with ultimate relaxation in mind. Before you set out on this adventure you partake in some kind of delicious and refreshing juice. When it is time you put on your towel, and only your towel. When ready you are brought into this large lavish marble room where you are soaked in hot water. Once thoroughly drenched you lie down on a gigantic heated marble table and take a quick nap. Once heated and relaxed your personal bather brings you to a basin where they begin to give you this one of a kind relaxing cleansing exfoliating magical massage-like process. You are rinsed, shampooed, lathered with ludicrous amounts of bubbles and then dried off. It really is a process fit for a king. After the traditional service we elected for massages and then napped in the the great room where we were served fresh squeezed lemonade. I seriously wish this was a thing you could do everyday. I have never felt more relaxed in my life. If you are ever in this part of the world, it is a must try.

Finally, near the end of the day it was time for dinner. The Hamdi was the place of choice for tonight thanks to some rave trip advisor reviews. The food was great, The kebabs were tasty and juicy and surprisingly reasonably priced. It was a little disappointing not to eat on the roof because it was too busy but hey, you cant win em all.

I have to say that originally I had been planning a trip here by myself for a little while now. But being able to share these experiences with a couple friends has made the adventure that much more spectacular!

So far Turkey has been great. Cant wait for more!