Finally, some “me time”

I finally had some “me time” and chilling this morning.  I had recommended that Kim visit the Dolmabahce Palace, which I had visited on a previous visit.  He did that while I relaxed in the room and then the hotel lobby.

I didn’t emerge from the hotel till our lunch together.  We bought some sweets at TRY160 per kg from the northern side of the Egyptian or Spice Market.  This area had come highly-recommended as cheap.  The whole row of sweet outlets sell at about this price whereas in central Sirkeci, it may be around TRY 650 per kg for similar stuff.

The weather now is hot in the sun but pleasant in the shade or when there is a breeze.  We took a rest in the afternoon before emerging after 1700.  With sunset after 2000, there was still plenty of time for us to take a crowded ride on the tram to the Grand Bazaar.

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From here, we walked to the Suleymaniye Mosque for its view of the Eminonu area.  We finished with a walk through the Eminonu/Sirkeci area where Kim bought a pair of shoes for around NZD36.  Control over fake brands appear non-existent here.  He fancied a gorgeous pair of shoes for its design.  Unfortunately, they came with Emporio Armani metal logos which he hoped would fall off.  There were lots of others like Nike, Adidas etc.  From previous experience, some fake stuff are very durable.

We finished the day at the Balkan Lokatasi near Hodjapasha alley.  It was an awesome meal for less than some kebab meals.  Most importantly, it provided us with some variety.