Wanderlust: Turkey

It was a late start today but when we finally got going after breakfast we were off to Taksim Square, which is across the Bosphorous in new Istanbul. A five minute walk from the hotel is the tram station where you buy your tokens for 3TL each (you can ride for as far as you like with one token). The tram is an easy ride to the end of the line, Kabatas, where you then board the funicular to climb to Taksim Square, which marks the start of the main shopping street. The whole place is on sale and Gordy is delighted with his purchase of two pairs of jeans, four pairs of jocks and a shirt for the equivalent of about A$65! I'm still struggling to find anything I really like but have ended up with a pair of ridiculously high, leopard print shoes which matching bag.... doesn't sound like me does it?

At Taksim Square

One of the shopping centres

We walk all the way down passed the Galata Tower and board the tram again to the Grand Bazaar. This is totally overwhelming! There are so many shops selling jewellery, carpet, leather jackets, handbags, food, porcelain, scarves..... it all looks much the same after a while but such fun.... well Gordy doesn't think so :( This is the sort of place you need to shop with another woman who understands the "art of shopping"! Mmmmm....good title for a book, I might consider that :)

I am having a ball but I can see "man of the moment" is getting more irritated by the minute. Has also announced to me that, one way or the other, he is going to the gym on our return. There is a cooking class on at 5pm so I concede to an early return. The cooking class is most enjoyable, chicken and vegetables and a delicious salad and the best part is, we get to eat the spoils in the dining room accompanied by some local wine (which isn't all that bad) when we have finished! A lovely way to end the day for me as it looks like we are not heading out for dinner... there is far too much interesting TV on!