Last day in Istanbul

 Not my favorite start. I woke up early for a nice run and the weather was uncooperative with its wind and rain. Unfortunately I LOVE running in the sun and heat and any little excuse torpedoes my incentive in the mornings so I turned around and crawled back into bed with Emily. But rest assured dear readers, breakfast was as gourmandizing (new word) as ever!  

The overcast weather continued throughout the day as we set off for the Greek Orthodox and Jewish district for a brief tour of the colorful houses. This cute little neighborhood was perched on impossibly steep and narrow streets. It was like many ancient city streets which were just wide enough for our vehicle but on such an incline that it invoked our fear of heights… following this we went to a leather shop where we were treated to a private fashion show with loud bass music and a lighted runway. I was absolutely delighted. There were actual models strutting up and down a runway flashing their leather wears. It was quite entertaining. After much explaining that their leather clothing wasn’t ’authentic high end clothing’ but rather companies such as Louis Vuitton etc purchase their leather, we left. 

Next we embarked on an enchanting journey up and down the mesmerizing Bosphorus, where every ripple told a tale of history and culture. As we set sail, ancient castles like Rumeli Fortress and majestic palaces like Dolmabahçe Palace emerge from the mist, their grandeur echoing through the ages. Amidst the bustling traffic of cargo ships and ferries, our boat glided gracefully, offering panoramic views of Istanbul’s iconic skyline. The cool breeze was refreshing, while seagulls danced overhead against the backdrop of overcast skies. With each passing moment, the city revealed itself in layers, blending the ancient with the modern in a captivating dance of contrasts.

Next, and our favorite part of the day, w stepped into the vibrant bustle of Istanbul’s spice bazaar, where the air was alive with a symphony of aromas and the brimming energy of eager shoppers. Amidst the kaleidoscope of colors and fragrances, we encountered Zed, a charismatic vendor whose smile was as warm as the spices he sold. With a twinkle in his eye, he welcomed us into his aromatic kingdom, unveiling a treasure trove of teas, spices, and Turkish delights. Each eagerly bestowed sample transported us to distant lands with every sip and bite. Enthralled by Zed’s passion, we indulged in an exquisite sensory journey, savoring the richness of Turkish culture one delicacy at a time. Before bidding farewell, we couldn’t resist stocking up on an array of teas, spices, and sweets, each purchase a memento of our delightful encounter with Zed and the enchanting allure of Istanbul’s spice bazaar.

The rest of the day was dominated by travel to Cappadocia. Though arriving at night to our cave hotel was a spectacle.