Well I was scammed my first time in 9+ months of traveling. How stupid to think someone that you just met on the street that was willing to take you to Taksim Square to show you around would be on the up and up. Lesson learned and just as I have always been int he past. I so should have seen it coming but I was tired as it was my first night and I had just managed to get to the Hostel by myself, on the subway and tram. i was probably feeling a little too confident with myself. I just was walking around the Blue Mosque at about 8pm and was approached by a local who just started having casual conversation. Yeah, I was thrilled to hear English, I don't know why because everyone speaks it....when they want you money. Note to self do not talk to strangers...hmm sounds like a lesson that I should have learned along time ago. Maybe that is why I have so many strange friends...you know who you are. Anyway i will not go into the evenings full events here but let's just say I bought some real expensive drinks for a couple of whores. Oppps, I said I wan't going to go into it. Enough said. I had an otherwise excellent evening.
My first full day was a walk in the park...literally. I spent the day walking thru the ground of the palace. The weather has been lovely. Blue skies, mild breeze and not too hot. I was busy taking pictures of the views across the river. Just another breathtaking afternoon. I get a free Turkish breakfast as in the country of not like a turkey leg. It consists of 5 black olives, 2 slices of cucumber, a wedge of cheese, a hard boiled egg, fresh rolls/bread, pat of butter/jam and all the instant coffee,w/powder cream and sugar. A delightful start to the day from the rooftop restaurant with views of the ocean in the distance. it is sometimes hard to break away and get the day started.
Some of the excitement of my days included the Blue Mosque, St Sofia Cathedral, Taksim Square, Turkish Baths...oh Yeah! I posted alot of others directly to facebook previously. Enjoy!
 |
| Musician taking a break, musical instrument hanging in tree |
 |
| I met and took this picture of the Turkish kickboxing team as they were entering the Palace for their tour. |
 |
| Mirror in the Harem of the Palace, guess those girls had to look good and this 20 something foot tall mirror would tell no lies. |
 |
| Most polite pup, and had the most interesting eyes, one blue and the other green. |
 |
| Interesting name for a bar. |
 |
| Most intricate shoe shining stands |
 |
| The charm of the evil eye...I needed all of these on my first night to ward off the weirdo I met. |
 |
| Cowboy boots in Istanbul Turkey, what a refreshing sight from home..ride em Cowboys |
 |
| School boys |
 |
| What is with the hair styles on these manikins heads, punk, spiky, funky |
 |
| Kitty self entertainment and a little sunning |
 |
| Up and coming artist located on the Asian side of the river. |
 |
| Came across an art exhibit of young school kids set up in a square...some were surprisingly amazing for the age group...5-12 years old, this one by an 8 yer old. |
 |
| Pooch that greeted me ok let me pass without barking or chasing me daily on my way to and from my hostel. |
 |
| Having an "Aren't I cool" moment...glad that is over. |
 |
| 2 of my friends which all Turkish shop owner want to become...No I did not follow them to their shop...lol, but they certainly are persistent. |
 |
| Me and the crazy kids of Istanbul. They couldn't get over my flip phone...I now have too many pictures of each of them.. |
No comments:
Post a Comment