Articles from this Category
9 August 2014
I went up to the top floor for breakfast and saw that the sky was black. Soon enough it started raining. As this was my fourth time in Istanbul, there was no pressure to go do anything so I didn’t really go out till the sun was out in the early afternoon. It is quite […]
1 September 2013
Today I wanted to explore the more European urban area of Istanbul. The main area of Taksim was somewhere I hadn’t seen much of previously. I took the tram to Kabatas and transferred to the underground funicular to Taksim Square. From there it was a pleasant walk downhill on Istiklal pedestrian mall down to sea […]
31 August 2013
Today I wanted to repeat some of the sights of Istanbul that I had done on my previous visits. First was the Blue Mosque, known by that knickname becase of the blue tiles in the interior. It involved some queueing and was free. While it is beautiful, my heart goes to the Ayasofya which I […]
30 August 2013
My prebooked taxi didn’t arrive. After 10 minutes I decided to hail one. The driver agreed to the correct price unlike the one coming in from the airport. He turned out to be a wonderfully friendly chap who had an interest in football and his club is sponsored by some rich Malaysian businessman. Despite the […]
25 August 2013
Above: Since my first visit over twenty years ago, Turkish bus services have been at the leading edge of modernity and comfort. It was an uneventful day with just a bus ride back to Istanbul. It was an even nicer bus today but the signature lemon-scented cologne given out periodically was missing! It only took […]
24 August 2013
Around the Old Town Safranbolu is a well preserved Ottoman town and is also famous for saffron which is grown in the nearby area. I spent the day walking around town and finally going up to the viewpoint. It is quite touristy amongst domestic tourists and also Koreans, Taiwanese and Chinese. I suppose there are […]
23 August 2013
Today, I make my way to the old Ottoman town of Safranbolu. I had allowed myself 11 days in Turkey this trip. But with irresistible fares to Sarajevo as a sidetrip, I’m down to a just a week in Turkey, split into two lots. It doesn’t leave me much time to travel around Turkey. As […]
22 August 2013
Thoughts on leaving the Caucasus I’m leaving today for Istanbul by Pegasus Airlines, on a cheap ticket bought many months ago. For a change, I’m flying into the new second airport on the Asian side rather than the original Ataturk airport on the European side. Now that I’ve had a taste of both Georgia and […]