Istanbul Part Three

Friday March 25 - Good Friday

We had another 13 km day!  We started out at 8 am to find a couple of caches before the Basilica Cisterns opened at 9 am.  It is best described as a large underground shallow pool with lighted columns and catfish in the water.  It is cavernous.  Very interesting place.  The entrance is on one street and the exit is on a different street.  We became disoriented.  We turned the wrong way for the Grand Bazaar and found ourselves at the Spice bazaar where we bought Turkish Delight and Turkish Apple tea.  This is a nice little market with many venders selling spices, Turkish delight, baklava and tea.  Each claimed to have the best prices and the best products!

Then we went to the Grand Bazaar the long way.  We learned later there was a shortcut which would have saved us thousands of steps.  It is overwhelming.  We visited just long enough to get a flavour of the place.  We stopped at a restaurant for some apple tea.  That was a much needed nice rest.  Then we headed home.  As we walked by last night's restaurant, we were invited for tea on the house.  Bob jumped at the opportunity.  So, more apple tea.  I tell you, people here are so nice.

Tonight we experienced our first Hammam (Turkish bath) located in our hotel spa area.  We have really mellowed out!

For anyone who is concerned, security here is quite rigid.  Topkapi had guards with rifles and 2 sets of security scanners like you find in airports.  Hagia Sophia also had security scanners.  Spice bazaar and Grand bazaar had security guards with hand scanners. Everywhere you go, parks and public places, there are police and security guards.  This makes one feel quite safe despite recent events.