Day 23 - Istanbul

Ah, Istanbul. If you could name the top 3 most historically rich, historically significant cities in the world, Istanbul would be one of them. From the Ancient Greek civlization to the Roman Empire, the Byzantine and the Ottoman Empire, Istanbul was the center of it all at one point or another. This city was always at the top of my list of places I wanted to visit, and today was my first full day.

First off, I wasn't too spooked out about any possible terrorism before, but pretty much everyone back at home and everyone that I've met on this trip told me to be careful in Istanbul. So now I've gotten rather paranoid, and every time I pass by a crowded area, I wonder if something is going to explode at any moment. Not that that actually prevents me from going any crowded areas, but it is slightly annoying.

Hippodrome. Looks empty.

One of the streets with shops. Where are all the people at?

My hotel is right in the middle of what's called the Old City, which is on the European side, where most of the historical sites are located. I woke up early and went to the hippodrome that houses the two obelisks in Turkey, as well as a broken piece of a bronze helical statue. It's also very close to the Hagia Sophia museum and the Blue Mosque, both which I visited.

Obelisk of Tuthmosis III. 

Walled obelisk.

The Blue Mosque.

One of two Medusa heads in the Basilica Cistern. Upside down to nullify the gaze?

Both the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque features these huge dome structures, which is characteristic of Senon, the architect sponsored by Suleiman the Great. He's the man when you're talking about the Ottoman Empire. You see these domes everywhere in Istanbul.

After doing the touristy stuff, I was feeling a bit adventurous. I wanted to go across the Bosphorus and step on Anatolia, the Asian side of Istanbul. I started walking towards the direction, taking any small streets that I came across, but eventually, I realized that I was the only person on the street, and all businesses closed, or the buildings looked abandoned. I felt really uncomfortable, and quickly retraced my way back to the Old City. I decided I should only take big roads when walking around here.

I eventually found a subway station, and decided to just go somewhere, anywhere. Luck would have it, this was the subway that would go under the Bosphorus and take me to the other side of Istanbul! As soon as I got off the train and out into the Asian side of Istanbul, it was complete mayhem. Tons of people walking in all directions, and cars all jam packed, honking, squeezing through narrow spaces, hundreds of people all lined up for something that I couldn't figure out, children playing in the park, people roasting chicken for picnics.

The chaos of Uskudar

So this is the real Istanbul. This is where people live, work, eat, play. I was glad I could leave the Old City and discover and experience this part of Istanbul.

One of the neighborhoods in the eastern (Asian) side of Istanbul.

The Bosphorus, with the Old City in the background.

Cute kitty. Cats and dogs run rampant on the streets.

Fishermen fishing the Bosphorus. And even the lone woman fisherman is at it, too.

Most people don't speak english very well. Actually, most people just don't speak english. And if they do speak it, you better be suspicious. As I was coming back to my hotel, I was looking on my phone to get directions. I was literally few steps from my hotel, when one guy sitting with another person, said, "Excuse me."

I just stared at him, and he continued, "I mean, if you are lost, I can help you find your way." I responded, "I'm just going right here" and pointed to my hotel few feet away. He said, "Oh, we're neighbors!" and offered his hand. I shook it, at which point he kind of grabbed my hand firmly and said, "Come on in, let me show you" and started leading me to his carpet shop situated right next to the hotel.

I released his grip and said, "Wait. You seem like an intelligent man. Let me ask you, why should I, someone who is new to this place, someone who doesn't know anyone here, follow a complete stranger into his building?"

He kind of fumbled and started, "Well, it's because ..."

I interrupted him abruptly, almost rudely. "Think carefully now! I want a good reason."

"I was saying, it's so that we can get to know each other. We can be good friends."

"That's not a good reason. I said I want a good reason, and you didn't provide me with one. I'll give you another chance. Go on, you can do it."

This is how I played out the conversation in my head after coming into my hotel room. What I actually said was, "No thanks" and that was the end of that ordeal. But seriously, I am so infuriated by these kind of people. How many unsuspecting tourists have they scammed? Maybe I'm just getting geared up for my next encounter, when I will actually follow through and give them a hard time about it.