Yeah we spent Halloween in Istanbul, and the only scary thing was a suicide bomber!
For more on this, google search: Taksim square suicide bomber. You should find all about it. The good thing is we are all safe. Having the bomb go off 100 yards from our hostel was a bit unnerving. However, we were 1/4 mile down Istiklal street near the Galata Tower getting juice when we heard the very loud explosion. At the time we had no idea what or where it was. A bit further down the street, we saw a large crowd of people gathered around a kebab vendor watching the tele. As we paused to see what all the fuss was about we immediately recognized the footage as Taksim square. Not 5 minutes later a Canadian we met on the night train from Plovdiv came up to us and informed us of the unfortunate news.
"Be wary," he warned, "these events usually occur in multiple." Ah, yeah and, "have a nice day."
Well needless to say we felt relieved we were not actually in the strike zone, so to speak. As well as a bit, what's the right word, terrified. Well as the New Yorkers say, "ah what can you do?" So we continued on to the Galata Tower for more sightseeing that day.
The whole of Istanbul was as cool as a cucumber, just life. So although it was a big deal, I guess Istanbul is just like any other major city around the world. Lots of people trying to make a living, with a few crazies thrown in to keep you on your toes.
We saw the inside of the Blue Mosque. Very impressive indeed. Kept very up to date in all its glory of gold and blue tile and just stunning. This is a functioning mosque, so take off shoes, ladies cover heads, and hush hush everyone. A truly awe inspiring place.
The Grand Bazaar, what a maze! With over 15 entrances or gates and thousands of shops, it is a covered labyrinth that makes the Saturday Market look like a garage sale. It is literally impossible not to get lost in here. Unless you have been working here for 15 years or so. Its floorplan is like the maze of the minotaur, but no Aryiadne string to lead you home... but also no minotaur waiting in the center. One main street splits off into smaller and more confusing passages just to meet up with another main street... all inside mind you. Plus, the whole of the inside area is surrounded by outdoor stalls and more streets filled with vendors sprawling out in every direction.
Every passageway of the bazaar and the stalls surrounding it offer a veritable treasure trove which Ali-Baba may have seen upon uttering the famous phrase, "Open Sesame!'' Carpets, pashminas [editor's note: OMG the scarves are amazing!] gold, ceramics, clothing, food, toys, carved anythings, artwork, beads and jewelry, man, you name it. So, we entered at gate 5, got miserably, wonderfully lost for two hours, and somehow managed to emerge at gate 7. It was really cool. [editor's note: the true miracle is that we left with money in our pocket. Talk about amazing restraint.]
Sadly, we had to say goodbye to our newest favorite city, Istanbul. Just as sad to say goodbye to Planet Paprika and our great friend Serhat! Bambooche chingaso! If you ever happen to find yourself in Istanbul, don't miss the chance to stay at Planet Paprika. Really nice rooms and very helpful friendly people.
So goodbye we said and took the early, like 4 am, taxi to the Asian side airport Gokcen. Our flight was not packed and only about 50 minutes to Bodrum airport. We were met there by our driver who had all our names on a little piece of paper. Just like in the movies! The ride to Gundogan, (silent g on the second one) was picturesque and about an hour.
We arrived at Villa Joya shortly after 9 and were greeted by the friendly owner. We now are staying in this beautiful little bay community. The tourist season here is over and most of the shops and restaurants along the bay's boardwalk are closed for winter. Because there is a year round local population, there is a good grocery store, bread shop/bakery, fish market, car rental, internet cafe, and half a dozen other amenities available just minutes from our apartment.
We have all we could want in a lovely little town here. It is sunny and warm every day. The Med is still plenty warm to swim in. We basically have the beach to ourselves, and we have a great little one bedroom to rest our heads after a strenuous day of lounging on the beach. Not to mention the weekly veg market and bazaar, with the best produce we have seen all trip.
We plan to head to Bodrum, on a mini bus or by car, next week sometime. Many things to see in Bodrum. The underwater museum in a castle filled with shipwreck treasures going back to antiquity, the ancient city of Hellacarnasus, also the birthplace of Herodotus, and much more.
So never fear dear followers of the Moylanism weekly, our spirits are good and our resolve is strong. Not to mention that luck! We'll take it.
Nothing goes with adventure like a good dose of rest and relaxation.
Much love to all our dear ones and friends at home and abroad.
Next week: Bodrum
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