Irre in Istanbul

Day #47

Tuesday, June 16th.

Day off II

Istanbul

Country: Turkey

After breakfast, it's time for Washing Part II, to get everything clean again.

At least as far as it is within my capabilities.

Contrary to my intention yesterday to leave the bicycle alone today, I do get on the saddle to explore larger parts of the city.

And eventually, I find myself at Taksim Square, which has a tumultuous history due to various bloody uprisings.

Finally, I treat myself to a roasted corn on the cob, which is sold everywhere.

Like so many people, the seller is also interested in my bicycle and takes an awkward spin.

When another very nice and ambitious street vendor offers me perfume at an unbeatable price, I make my way towards the Galata Tower.

On the way, I am approached by a hotelier, with whom I have a pleasant conversation.

He grew up in Stuttgart and therefore speaks very good German.

His resentment towards Germany is understandable, as the entry regulations pose an enormous hurdle for him to come to Europe. Like in the case of his cousin's wedding.

This again highlights how privileged I am with my German passport.

This allows for unrestricted travel to most countries in this world.

On the way, I see a taxi with spikes on its wheels, which you might expect on chariots in the Colosseum.

Luckily, I maintain enough distance, especially since it goes steeply downhill and I’m pushing, and my biggest concern is actually being affected by dooring.

That is, driving into an opening car door, as I always have to ride close to the edge.

At the Galata Bridge, I stop to take a photo of the stunning panorama over the Bosporus.

The vibrations I feel while doing this are immense.

When a tram passes by, the entire bridge shakes up and down.

In principle, that’s good because only hard things break, but it creates a bit of an uneasy feeling.

Along the promenade that I walked on my first day in Istanbul, I head towards my accommodation for a quick wrap and to park my bike.

Respect for the people whose job it is to drive here every day, whether it's taxi, bus, or something else.

Just the short times on the bike are enough for me, and I am completely exhausted.

From now on, it's time to walk to explore the core of the old town.

In the process, I also look for a mirror and try my luck in various cosmetics stores, but I am unsuccessful.

Ultimately, I manage to get a mirrored pair of sunglasses, with which I hope to replace my broken side mirror.

The Blue Mosque is definitely a highlight and an impressive building.

To enter, I have to wear a kind of skirt due to the dress code, but it is worth it.

Unaware as I was, I had already been in this area on the first night.

Now I intentionally walk past the Hagia Sophia, the most significant structure of early Byzantine architecture. Wikipedia informs.

Only the Grand Bazaar had already closed when I finally arrive there.

Well, it is what it is, some compromises have to be made.

Or plan significantly more time for this huge and overwhelming city.

As beautiful and impressive as everything is, I’m also a bit looking forward to tomorrow’s onward journey and hopefully some more peace.

On the way back, I have dinner; I have somewhat neglected my provisions.

Afterward, I pass by more restaurants where music is still being played.

Because different people are playing in adjacent venues, an adventurous tapestry of sound arises.

Bella Ciao is still audible.

Back at my accommodation, I start to pack some of my stuff.

This takes a while, and there’s still enough to do tomorrow since almost all bags are emptied.

My gas cartridge also comes into play again, as I can refill my storm lighter with an adapter.

Whether that justifies having brought all the cooking stuff is still questionable.

I break out the lenses of the sunglasses to glue one of them onto the remains of the mirror.

For this, I have duct tape and superglue with me, and I’m curious about the result.

That has to suffice; the rest will be done tomorrow.

Good night.

Song of the Day:

Lemur - Abendlandboogie (Parental Advisory - Explicit Lyrics)