Today was the last of our tour-type activities.

We had the same start as yesterday including the bus ride over the sea and back again to first visit the Spice Bazaar, which was quite interesting and colorful to see. There wasn’t just spices there,but souvenir items, scarves, jewelry, etc.

[shashin type=”photo” id=”7506,7507,7508″ size=”small” columns=”max” order=”user” position=”center”]

After that, we got on a boat for our half-day Bosphorus cruise, which means about 1.5 hours on the boat. Sadly, the weather was not great – in fact, the worst we have had since we arrived that we had to be out in. So, although the cruise could have been quite beautiful, it was just okay.

[shashin type=”photo” id=”7510,7511,7512,7515,7514″ size=”small” columns=”max” order=”user” position=”center”]

Our tour ended with a drop off near the Grand Bazaar since it was closed yesterday.So, after a quick warm-up coffee at Starbucks, we explored the bazaar. For some reason,I expected it to be very chaotic and with stalls everywhere, but in fact, there are lots of small shops and it was fairly organized. People weren’t even that aggressive to try to sell us things, so that was a surprise.

[shashin type=”photo” id=”7516,7518,7519,7520,7522,7525″ size=”small” columns=”max” order=”user” position=”center”]

After a few quick purchases, we had lunch at one of the shops and then meandered our way back to the hotel.

I had a Turkish hammam treatment and massage, which I had been dying to have since we got here. It was rather expensive for what it was, but it was still relaxing and a nice change. I need to have another one when I get back….

[shashin type=”photo” id=”7526,7527,7528,7529,7530,7532″ size=”small” columns=”max” order=”user” position=”center”]

We went back to Istiklal Street for dinner at The House Cafe. We road the tram again and then got on the second oldest and shortest ‘subway’ ever.It was quite fun for an experience. 😀

[shashin type=”photo” id=”7539,7538,7537,6982,7541,7542″ size=”small” columns=”max” order=”user” position=”center”]

Now, we are back for an early night in to relax. Tomorrow is a free day, so we will relax and return to explore Istiklal street more in the daytime. 😉

I am actually looking forward to going home in a day as the weather is starting to get to me and I need to just relax in my own space….

– T 😀