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!