Day 2: Sight-seeing in Istanbul

After a copious meal in Beshiktas, at an old man’s restaurant (who reminded too much of the soup Nazi), we headed to Sultanahmet area. The queues were unbelievable, so we headed to The Grand Bazaar, The Egyptian Bazaar (my favorite!), and then to Dolmabahce. There, Rabih was attacked by a fierce dog that tore his shorts, and that I heroically chased away. Phew, once again I saved the day.

The crow.

A rare sight of the Ottoman emperor.

Super cat that fell asleep before finishing the last bite.

Cup cakes at the simit vendor

SIMITTTTTTT! I will miss you!

The Grand Bazaar.

Herbs and spices at the Egyptian Bazaar.

Herbs and spices at the Egyptian Bazaar.

Herbs and spices at the Egyptian Bazaar.

At the Egyptian Bazaar

Perfumes at the Egyptian Bazaar.

Quarter being smothered by Zeinab’s hug.

Dried fruits and Kernels at the Egyptian Bazaar.

Dried fruits and Kernels at the Egyptian Bazaar.

A flower in Manal’s hair.

Herbs and spices at the Egyptian Bazaar.

Herbs and spices at the Egyptian Bazaar.

Herbs and spices at the Egyptian Bazaar.

Herbs and spices at the Egyptian Bazaar.

Herbs and spices at the Egyptian Bazaar.

The Yeni Cami

At the Yeni Cami.

Not bad this Turkey!

Dolmabahçe

Dolmabahçe

The shorts torn by the dog, heroically chased by Manal

Birds at Dolmabahçe

Ortaköy

A sign at Ortaköy

An old map shop at Ortaköy

At the terrace of Mikla

First Course at Mikla. A yummy fig on cracker, with honey, and covered with goat cheese!

A cat in Sultanahmet

 

After walking around in Ortakoy, and a nice Kokoreçe lunch, we freshened up and Zeinab and I headed to Mikla, voted the best restaurant in Istanbul. We had a 7-course-meal, where each course was better than the one before, met the loveliest Norwegian couple, and laughed for 3 straight hours, while the boys watched the Bayern vs Chelsea game.

After that we met up and danced the night away at Aperetivo, where the The Bayern/Chelsea match still Haunted us 🙂