Our first stop was for lunch at a restaurant called Lokanta Helvetia (149 Mesrutiyet Ave.) We had a hard time finding it, but after asking a friendly Turk for directions, we found our seats.
We had a beautiful view down the alley, and the overall ambiance was cozy and calm.
The food may not look particularly appetizing, but this might have been the most tasty meal during my trip. All of the dishes were prepared in a open kitchen, and you literally got to point and choose the dishes you wanted. Homemade comfort food, Turkish style.
After eating, we continued downhill towards the bridge. We stumbled upon the curved Camondo Staircase, donated by the wealthy Jewish banker Abraham Camondo in the 19th century.
We crossed the Galata Bridge for the first time, and caught a glimpse of the Turkish fishermen who catch and sell fresh seafood directly from the bridge.
The most prominent landmark after the bridge was the Yeni Camii (the New Mosque).
I took a peak inside the courtyard to see an ornate fountain at the centre.
Yeni Camii has hundreds (thousands?) of pigeons pecking around at seeds and bread. The kids love it!
As the clouds opened and the rain started to come down, we shuffled our way into the Mısır Çarşısı (also known as the Spice Bazaar).
The axial structure, dating to 1660, had an endless supply of dried fruit, nuts, tea, spices, as well as souvenirs and textiles.
After surveying most of the vendors, we continued north (through pouring rain) towards the Grand Bazaar. The narrow roads were filled with store upon store, selling everything from "Gucci" bags to coffee pots.
After making it through the crowds, we stumbled one of the many entrances to the Kapali Çarşısı (the Grand Bazaar).
The Grand Bazaar, built in 1455, is one of the biggest (and oldest) markets it the world. It has over 1200 shops lining over 60 lanes. Overwhelming. Tip: Print and take this map (I wish I had.)
It hard to sum up the Grand Bazaar. It's like a epic old-world retail labyrinth; you eventually have to embrace the feeling of disorientation and just explore. Truly amazing to see and experience - nothing in North America can compare.
And that was the day. We took the metro back to the hotel, found dinner on Istiklal, went for an evening walk down Siraselilver Avenue, and submitted to the fatigue of the day.
Today's life lesson: If it rains, you get wet.
