Saturday 19/01/13 - Our last day!

Back at the Sirkeci Konak .... I would recommend this hotel to anybody visiting Istanbul.  The hotel is in the old city and very well positioned just a couple of minutes from the tram stop which will take you directly to the either the Grand Bazaar or over the water to the new part of Istanbul.  For 3TL you can buy a token at the Jetonmatik for travel anywhere on the tram, the machine will also give change, it's very easy.  The Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia are also within walking distance.

This is my last chance to shop!  I know there is a Zara a few tram stops away so I am on a mission!  We head in the general direction but have been sent in a couple of different pathways......Gordy is losing patience....success!  Historia is up ahead and we walk into a brand new shopping centre not unlike any of our big shopping centres in Australia.  We make our purchases then head to the Grand Bazaar for bracelets.  Back at the hotel we repack our four suitcases to distribute the weight, head to a local restaurant for dinner, then play 'spy' games on the way home to avoid the local carpet merchant!  It's all good fun!  Istanbul.... we've had a ball and will be back one day.