Istanbul - Day 1 & Day 2

We touched down at Attarturk International Airport at 330pm local time and was greeted by the snow. Thought we could've ran away from Mr.Snow for once but it just keeps following us wherever we go. It wasn't a big deal anyway. When we heard the announcement saying that it is -2C in Istanbul, we felt happy enough.

Stayed at Asitane Hotel and it became our beloved home while in Istanbul.

On our first day, we didn't tour anywhere. Just went to explore the area - Cemberlitas, searching for the nearest tram station, surveying local supermarkets, pricey and less pricey restaurants etc.

We did our research on local foods and we have a long list of 'must-try-in-turkey'. We we're greeted by this over-friendly guy which we called Pakcik Mavi as he keeps humming the song "Mavi Mavi" while we were dining.

The spread was just like what we anticipated for...

Corba (Lentil soup) & Acili Ezme (freshly mashed tomatoes with onion & green herbs). It comes with something like Pita bread.

Lamb Doner with green chillies

The next day we visited the historical Sultanahmet Mosque (known as Blue Mosque) & Hagia Sophia (known as Ayasofia). It was magnificent, more than how it was described in articles & books. Glad that we got to witness it with our own eyes.

Subhanallah, how could people in those era build such a huge, concrete  & majestic building that could stand tall for centuries??

Hipodrome

Sultanahmet Mosque from the 16th century

Ineterior : Main Dome and the walls at the Mimbar (where prayers are led by an Imam)

Hagia Sophia was just oppsite, about 3minutes walk from Sultanahmet. In the middle we manage to stop by the tomb of Sultanahmet I who was buried along with his wife, children and the rest of the clan.

Along the way to Ayasophia there were so many stalls selling Simit, a local type of bread, and roasted chestnuts called Kestane. Travel & visiting had to be accomplished first, so, I just had to take the smell fresh in mind till we come out again. And yes, I whacked those chestnuts nearly everyday after that!

Smell of fresh roasted Kestane at the back

Hagia Sophia 

Ayasofia was drop dead stunning, no words can describe. All of us were left in awe.

head tilts up, jaw drops down

the way up to the upper gallery where we can see more of the Orthodox details  

 St. Sophia

Been there done that!

Dyna wasn't feeling well after that so we cancelled and post-poned our visit to Topkapi Palace to another day. We went for Kofte instead at Tarihi and stroll along the roads, enjoying what Istanbul has to offer.

Kesian Dyna 

 

Kofte with fresh salad

Accidentally reached Grand Bazaar which is suppose to be on our last day in the list.

Terjebak borong pashmina too!