Flight departed from KLIA at 0030am. Did not sleep a wink (missed my bed back home). Reach Istanbul about 8am Turkish time (6 hrs difference). Upon arrival at Atartuk International Airport, departure by bus about 1hr 15 min to take ferry across the Sea of Marmara (about 40 min) to Bursa. It was freezing cold at 5degree celsius and my hands were numb cos I have to remove my hand glove as it can be slippery wearing one and trying to get a good shot. We went back to the bus for another 1hr30min ride to visit the historical monuments including the Grand Mosque and Green Mausoleum and Mosque. My stomach was growling and instantly I checked the time. It was actually dinner time in Malaysia and we are only gonna have lunch turkish time. (Our last meal was wee early morning on flight) Anyway, lunch was served at a local restaurant. The main dish was either lamb or beef kebab with rice and a bowl of soup. Sounds yummmy but lamb kebab finished and for us who doesn't eat beef, we were given pizza instead. Hmm...delicious too. No complain. Started to drizzle after lunch. Hopped into the bus and adjourned to the Silk Market for 1hr30min. The weather was gloomy, wet, windy and the place was packed with tourist. Times up and transfer to Kervansaray Hotel for check-in and dinner. Exhausted by now.
At Atartuk Int Airport upon arrival and while waiting for the bus.Can't resist taking this picture with them but with permission.
Aboard the car ferry crossing the Sea of Marmara.
At the entrance of the
Grand mosque.
Inside of the Grand Mosque and cleansing myself with holy water.
We have to remove shoes and carry with us.
Just outside of restaurant before lunch.
Inside Silk Market with 2 cute Turkish boys.
Views from outside of Kervansaray Hotel, Bursa.
Day 2 Sunday 7th March, 2010
Bursa - Instanbul
Had a good night sleep and woke up feeling fresh. Breakfast at hotel and check-out. Bus - car ferry - bus back to Istanbul. Tour guide mention it was snowing in Bursa last night and we could see snow peaked mountain from the bus. Also showed us the marble mountain and the Fiat car factory. After breakfast....
En route to visit the blue mosque. Good weather with clear blue sky.
Breath taking scenery taken in the vicinity of the Blue Mosque.
The Blue Mosque - Sultan Ahmet I set out to build a mosque that would rival and even surpass St. Sophia (Aya Sofya). The layout of the Blue Mosque is classic Ottoman design. The forecourt has an ablutions fountain in its center. The portico around three sides could be used for prayer, meditation or study during warm weather. It is famous with its blue Iznik tiles and unique with 6 minarets.
The interior of the
Blue Mosque. It is a functioning mosque and we have to be very quiet and there were men and women praying. Simply awesome.
Hagia Sophia one of the greatest marvels of architecture constructed as a basilica in the 6th century by Emperor Justinia. It is facing the Blue Mosque.
At the entrance of Topkapi Palace, residence of Ottoman Sultans exhibiting imperial treasury, sacred Islamic relics, kitchen, Chinese porcelain, weapons, calligraphy section etc. Photographs are not allowed in the exhibition centre.
In the interior of Topkapi Palace (Topkapi Sarayi) was the residence of Ottoman sultans for almost four centuries and is Istanbul's premier must-see attraction. Unlike European-style palaces, Topkapi is not one large building with outlaying garden. Its form-inspired and informed by Islamic architectural sensibilities-consists of series of pavilions, kitchens, audience chambers and kiosks built around a series of garden court yards.
Lunch at local restaurant. Chicken Tandoori with rice, roti naan with soup and salad with fruits for dessert. It's simply delicious.
Check-in to Ikbal De Luxe Hotel.
At Taksim square after dinner. This tour was optional. Do you see the girl on my right? Turkish girls are beautiful. Slim, fair, big eyes and high nose.
Day 3 Monday 8th March, 2010
Breakfast at hotel. Consist lots of fresh vegetables salad (healthy) but the dressing was too salty for my liking,
At the exit of the carpet factory.
Inside on the carpet factory. The girl is holding a cup of apple tea. It is sweet and good for health.
Inside the aromatic Spice Bazaar, where the smells of cinnamon, cloves and thyme, rise from hundreds of colorful muslim bags at every store-front.
At the entrance of spice bazaar. I have to wrap myself up. It was cold and windy....brrr... I bought my scarf at spice bazaar for 16 turkish lira after much haggling. Too cold.....
At Ortakoy, where you can enjoy a coffee and panoramic view of the passing boats from the beautiful cobbled square overlooking the Bosphorus.
On board the ferryboat for a relaxing cruise along the shores of the legendary Bosphorus, the natural gateway that divides Asia and Europe. Numerous summer palaces and palatial homes can be seen on either sides. Cruise is about 1hr15min.
Optional tour. Top picture is traditional dance and bottom is belly dancing. I can't say I've been to Turkey and not see belly dancing. The cost - US 35 dollars.
Day 4 Tuesday 9th March, 2010
Breakfast at hotel. A lot of same food as yesterday morning. By now, I was craving for fried bee hoon, mee siam and nasi lemak. I am sure many people felt the same as me and the smart ones brought milo 3 in 1, snacks from home. After breakfast...
Inside of Mosque of Ayup Al Ansar. Ladies are required to cover their heads before entering.
One of the shops outside the Grand Bazaar. Turkish cats and dogs are big compared to back here in Malaysia. This particular one is a mosque cat and is very clean.
Top picture - at the entrance of the Grand Covered Bazaar of Istanbul which covered by hemispheric domes - houses 4,000 shops. It is huge and can easily get lost. I bought most of the souvenir here. Bottom picture is inside of Grand Covered Bazaar.
Small purse (1 lira), key chain (2 lira), tee- shirt (70 lira for 7), cap and the last picture is not a slipper but a fridge magnet (3 lira).
I bought this Turkish Delight at Bursa. The contents of it are dried fig 50%, glucose syrup, water, starch, hazelnut, pistachio, apricot seed and coconut. 8 lira for 1 packet and no discount!
Souvenir from tour agency - hand made ashtray.
Dinner at hotel.
Me and Karen at the hotel lobby.
Day 5 Wednesday 10th March, 2010
Breakfast at hotel. Check out at 11.15am and transfer to
Atartuk International Airport for flight back to KL. Flight time 3pm turkish time and after 10 hours flight, finally reach KLIA at 7.05am Malaysian time on Thursday, 11th March, 2010.
Overall, I had a great time and it was a fantastic holiday to me.
The End.
