Up the steps again for breakfast – 67,I counted them – then out to the Grand Bazaar. It was a lot colder today, around 8c so jumper and jacket. The Bazaar was open today, and we got there early so there weren’t too many people. The first bunch of shops were selling jewellery, gold and silver, so Song was happy. The Bazaar is divided up into sections – jewellery, leather, antiques, clothing etc. We wandered around for a couple of hours, getting hassled by the vendors – “You want handbag / carpet / tea / watch?” “Where you from? ” etc. We didn’t buy anything, I think it’s a bit of a tourist trap and it’s difficult to know what to pay. The price comes down as you show less and less interest in the thing.
Back out again and lunchtime – decided to go for a traditional kebab (or kebap here). Song had a plate of 8 falafel, a plate of hummus and a coke all for about $7.50. I had a kebap (or kebab elsewhere) but can’t remember what it cost.
Looked in the book and decided to go to the Topkapi Palace – I’d mentioned it a few times but Song wasn’t too keen, but I said it was one of the top things to see here. It was only later that she said she thought I kept saying “Top carpet” and didn’t see the big deal with a carpet museum.
Had to queue for a ticket, but only about 15 minutes, then went inside and walked through some gardens to find another longer queue for the palace itself. No option but to join it. After about 20 minutes of shuffling we entered a small room that was the treasury – to be honest I expected more. Anyway, there were several artifacts covered in huge emeralds, countless rubies and diamonds, a few thrones and the sword of Suleman the Great, so it was worth the wait.
There were three or four other rooms with various jewelled items including the Topkapi Dagger and an 86 carat diamond from the 14th century that was said to have been found on a rubbish tip and the finder sold it for three spoons. I would have given him four and thrown in a fork.
I peeled Song off the glass and we continued around the palace. It was pretty big and had amazing views over the Bosphorus. The rest of the palace was comprised of lots of ornate and colourfully painted rooms, including one that was used to store the royal turbans.
There was a series of rooms that held various religious artifacts – the sword of the prophet David from 10 BC, bits of the kaaba, and what was claimed to be the staff of the prophet Moses. Er, ok, sure, but I hope they got a receipt for that one because I’m not convinced. Next was a visit to the harem, which was more elaborate than the actual palace – lots of rooms and all beautifully decorated. We spent about 4 hours in the palace and the feet were beginning to protest so headed back to the hotel. Rested up for a couple of hours then went to have dinner at the restaurant we’d passed yesterday which had the whirling dervish. Didn’t order much, just a yogurt dip to start and shared a plate of mixed kebabs. The food was nice, but the service rubbish and they tried to overcharge us, so didn’t leave a tip and will write a bad review on Tripadvisor – ha, that’ll show them.
Bought some Turkish Delight on the way back, watched some Tv and then sleep. We’ve booked a day trip on the Bosphorus tomorrow.
Walked 10.95 km today.
