Day 10

Today is our final day here in Turkey and so we took a drive from the beautiful Cappadocia to the largest  and busiest city in Turkey, Istanbul. It is one of the biggest cities in the world ( population of 13.9 million). Its commercial and historical center lies in Europe, while a third of its population lives in Asia.

We arrived there at about 12 in the afternoon, just in time for lunch. We were taken to a authentic Chinese restaurant which is nearby the Blue Mosque we visited at our first day here. We ate noodles (which were really good), chicken (typical turkish food) and rice (we finally got to taste rice that wasn't actually salty for once!)

Then we went on a cruise along the Bosphorus-a strait that forms part of the boundary between Europe and Asia. We were lucky enough to go on the cruise as the other group of tourists couldn't go here. On the left side of the Bosphorus is the European Side and on the right side is the Asian side. On the sides of the Bosphorus you can find mansions that costs a lot of money called "Ottoman" waterfront houses lined neatly next to each other. There was also a playground and a fancy hotel that has been around for a long time.

After the cruise we took  a look at the spice market. The spice market is very big as well as CROWDED. People were shoving each other out of the way in order to get to the shops. "Hey lady nice scarf you have there" a man commented on Caitlyn's scarf. "Ni hao." said another man "Where are you from ladies? China? Korea? Japan?"

Caitlyn got really annoyed of the people and just ignored them "Get me out of here, quick. I HATE crowded places like these. It's impossible to take a decent picture without people getting in your way." Caitlyn bought 5 boxes of Turkish Delights. "They are just so amazing, Dawn. You have to try them!" as she gave me one. I popped it in my mouth. It wasn't the best tasting thing in the whole world but it was okay.

Then we went to the Grand Bazaar. It was not as crowded as the Spice Market since it was 6 in the evening but there still were some people. The Grand Bazaar sold souvenirs, toys, scarves etc. Me and Caitlyn bought matching scarves from a man that designed it himself. We also bought souvenirs for our friends and families.

Tonight we are staying at the magnificent Hilton Hotel. The service was quite dissapointing. Our baggage arrived late and the elevators were smaller than ever. Fortunately, there was a kettle. Caitlyn spent all night eating her instant noodles. Tomorrow we are flying back to Singapore (me flying back to Brunei)

Ottoman Era Waterfront Houses near the Bosphorus

The Spice Market

Spices in the Spice Market

The Grand Bazaar