Introduction to Istanbul (101)

Whole family went on a trip with the other Malaysian families here. Will definitely have to go again to Istanbul but NOT in summer! The place was full of people and crowded everywhere we went! Also didn't spend time at places I liked..At times we would go to a historical site and then just looked at it from outside the premises. Macam tu lah group tour pun - ikut group consensus ... so anyway I considered the trip as as more of an introduction to Istanbul - ISTANBUL 101!

Woke up bright and early , all excited! Left Ankara at 6:00am when it was still nice and cool - it was already light at 4:30 am.

The nice thing was the tour bus belonged to the Turkish company-counterpart here (given free) complete with an unofficial tour guide - and we could make stops along the way at scenic spots.

 We stopped at a few lookout points. Climbed uphill to a ski resort called Kateteppe - which is snow-less at the moment.

Had a real great lunch in the middle of the woods - the food was baked in a large open clay oven. Had baked Fish trout in claypot and Kofte kebab with plenty of salad and home-made bread (yes, they bake their own bread here too!). Was really nice and cool and we could hear the sound of the streams and waterfall nearby.

The waiters were incredible - they were running around ( although the terrain was uneven) and serving as fast as they could..

Stayed at Madisom hotel - right next to Taksim road - one of the busiest and 'happening places' - memang senang car makan & go shopping on your own time especially in the evening...banyak summer sale mas tu!!!

 Tapi the crowd was incredible - semak otak betul...that part was definitely not enjoyable because you have to keep dodging and elbowing people and to get anywhere!

But there were so many many interesting places to eat - we were interested in the Turkish food of course although there were also the usual western fast food places as well.- McDonald's etc! 

Saw the ususl attractions - the Blue Mosque, wasnt very impressed actually...Missed the Hagia Sofia - because no one else was interested...

Then entered the Topkapi palace (at last!) which was quite close to the Blue Mosque  - but only two families (including ours entered) the others waited outside.

Only managed to gawk at the Dohlmacambe from the outside - the entrance fee was expensive !







Visited the Rumelli castle - all the wives opted to sit out on this one instead of climbing the stairs to the castle... I gave up halfway  because of the height; The children continued climbing

Did manage to go to the Grand Bazaar - which EVERYONE was interested in - shopping kan?

Yup! That's me having a good time ....shopping heaven!

The uninvolved parties get reallly bored..ho humm! Syireen & Dad here looking really bored as I go through the carpets,,,hahahhaa!!!

Also did the Egyptian Spice Bazaar...

....only here for an hour because by this time everyone was tired and wanted to start the trip back to Ankara.

All in all it was Okaylah - except I mised out on quite  a few of the historical sites...