Day 6: The Grand Bazaar and Galata - by Whitney

Outside Hamdi

When the wake-up call was an hour earlier than usual, we all knew we were in for a full-packed, hectic and slightly stressful day. Cramming some last minute things into my suitcase, I raced down for a healthy breakfast- some cereal and a slice of chocolate cake.

After scoffing it down, we grabbed our Akubras and left the hotel. Bitzi power walked through the abnormally quiet streets, while we desperately tried to keep up. It wasn’t long before we were back on the bus setting ourselves up for a 6 ½ hour journey. 

 

Sarah looking out from the Galata Tower



We all stayed relatively awake, as we saw our last sights of Cannakkle and eventually Gallipoli. Yet, it wasn’t long before exhaustion got the better of us, many of us falling asleep within minutes.

Those who were awake reminisced about the last few days and laughed hysterically at Jasmine’s ‘quote book’, time flew and before we knew it, we were back in Istanbul. Before heading off to the Grand Bizarre we all took a toilet break- which turned out to be a nightmare. Not only did the toilets cost a whole 50 cents to get in but people were violently trying to push in line. It’s amazing nobody’s eyes were gouged out! Thankfully, we had Michelle (from the army!) with us and she soon sorted that fiasco out.

After regrouping and sufficiently ‘Dettoling’ our hands we went to a little restaurant for yet another gigantic lunch. We were all starved and hardly any food was left on the plates (this was justified because we needed our energy for the Grand Bazaar). As we gulped down the last of our soft drinks (essential for our sugar intake), we left the restaurant and regrouped for a briefing from Bitzi. After warnings, of pick-pockets, flashing money and being ripped off by salespeople, we were given 1 ½ hours to get all our shopping done.

As we stood outside Gate 1 (of 22 gates) we were overwhelmed by the sheer size of the Grand Bizarre. Built in 1461 and containing over 3,000 shops, it was bound to be a very popular tourist destination. Hundreds of people swarmed the market place, traders shouted out their bargains and we just stood there, trying to work out where on earth to go.

An illuminating moment at the
Grand Bazaar

 

Thankfully, it wasn’t long before we got into the ‘hang of things’, and the bartering soon got the better of us. Deals were being struck left, right and center. Purchases ranged from small trinkets to elaborate lamps, nobody went without a great deal. As we displayed our bargains on the bus, we made our way to the Galata Tower. Built in 528 AD, it is the oldest tower in the world that's open to the public, with stunning views of the 7 temples in the 'old' part of town. We waited in line for over 20 minutes—but once we got the top, the view was definitely worth it. As we took in the breath-taking sights we could clearly distinguish between both the Asian and the European sides of Turkey. Views of the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque made a picturesque background and coupled with the gorgeous Bosporus River, we truly could see why Turkey was so stunning.

As the sun began to set, we made our way to the HAMDi RESTORANT for our last dinner in Turkey. Needless to say, it was one of the best meals we ever had. Not only did Kate get her Turkish Bread (that she had been raving on about ever since the beginning of the trip), but we also had delicious kebabs and salads for mains, finishing off with a very traditional Baklava for dessert.  

As night set in, we made our way back onto the bus, where we begged Bitzi to come with us to France. The peer pressure soon resulted in her saying that she would be vacuum sealed, popped into our suitcase and be classed as Turkish wine. This statement caused us to be in hysterics up until we pulled into the Eresin Hotel, where we were greeted with friendly smiles and an assortment of beverages. :)

-Hanging out for another adventure, Whitney