Inside the Grand Bazaar |
The Grand Bazaar dating back to 1453 is an experience that one must undertake to fulfil said duties of Traveller. So, accompanied by a harried Cap’n, GS led the charge on a shopping foray. And this time NOT for boat bits… Being something of a bazaar connoisseur, GS found the GB a little overwhelming and touristy. That’s not to say that it was lacklustre by any means – it positively pulsates, especially when carpet sellers sense a potential customer to bargain with. We did manage however to find some unusual stalls including one selling oya (needle lace) and a cobbler who made slippers (no Chinese imports here) – just don’t ask where exactly they were. We managed to lose ourselves several times before finding a signpost to the next destination.
Temptation everywhere... |
Not that the signpost was much help. Eventually we found our way to the Spice Bazaar (thanks to smartphone technology). The Spice Bazaar (1660), though much smaller, was
filled to the brim with locals shopping for Sacrifice celebrations (more of a
week than a day). While GS rummaged to find that perfect pomegranate flavoured
Turkish Delight, the Cap’n sampled cashews – from almost every store – before
settling on the “freshest”. Storekeepers
don’t seem to encourage taste testing.
Given the crowds streaming through the bazaar looking and not shopping,
it could be a one way trip to bankruptcy.
A popular coffee shop, oozing wafts of roasted beans, was clearly not in
any danger.
One of those, one of those and oh, one of those..my friend will pay! |
Uplifted by coffee, it was back for a final fling to
the Cavalry Bazaar. We had a last minute
gift or two (including a rather nice kilim bag) to find before heading off for
a romantic dinner for two at the Sarnic Restaurant. Stepped deep into the bowels of a Byzantine
cistern, a dimly lit Sarnic seemed like a stage set from an old B&W Gothic
movie. Whilst Frankenstein was better
replaced by attentive serving staff, the atmosphere was incredibly engaging.
Inside Sarnic celebrating |
(Our wonderful hotel staff recommended taking the inexpensive
tram and light rail to the airport. Easy,
even with bulging bags!!)
May I ask you what are u doing on last picture?.Are you in the church or library.?
ReplyDeleteDeep in what was once a Byzantine water cistern but now a fashionable restaurant reading a menu and watching for Dracula to appear from a dark corner. Jenny was swearing at her dying camera too, so that didn't help!
ReplyDelete