I think the hot weather and lack of a/c in our hostel makes us super sluggish in the morning and not willing to go outside. >.< We literally got up, ate breakfast, and then sat around for a good hour or so before we left for the day haha. Luckily, we're living super close to most of the famous landmarks, so we had plenty of time to explore things.
First, we went to Hagia Sofia. There was a small line, but nothing compared to the lines we experienced in Vatican City. The admission was 25 TL, which seemed super expensive at first, but then I convert it to US dollars and realize it's actually a lot cheaper than the entrance fees in Barcelona haha. Going in, I had really high expectation for Hagia Sofia, and unfortunately I think that made me disappointed once I actually stepped inside. I was expecting to be blown away (a la Sagrada Familia) but the inside was just... nice. I think what really disappointed me was that a lot of the painting/mosaics on the ceilings were faded or chipping away. But Stephanie, who had no expectations coming in, really liked it! And it's definitely worth a visit! I just think I actually enjoyed the mosques we saw later more (and they were free!)
Afterwards, we went in search of cheap fast food (aka doner kebabs), and ended up eating at a place where it was 5 TL each. It was definitely cheap, although other places farther away from the sites had them for as low as 2.50! (Where we ate later tonight) They have meat, some veggies, and french fries stuffed in a sandwich. I decided I don't like regular doner kebabs (I think mine had lamb? Which I'm not a huge fan of); in the future I'm opting for chicken haha.
Next was the Blue Mosque, which is actually super close to Hagia Sofia. Since it's a mosque, everyone going in has to cover up (so long pants/skirts and women have to cover their heads). They were also nice enough to provide shawls and coats to cover up with if you didn't have your own. Then you place your shoes on a shelf or in a plastic bag, since no shoes are allowed inside either. We realized that also made the place smell vaguely like feet, since there were so many sweaty tourists inside >.<
Afterwards, we headed back to our hostel for a quick break before heading out again. We had planned on visiting another mosque (Süleymaniye Mosque) and then going over the Galata Bridge to visit the Galata Tower, but ended up getting sidetracked a bit. We decided to visit the Grand Bazaar first, where I bought a set of 2 Turkish teacups, and along the way we stumbled across another mosque so we decided to go inside to check it out! This one was a little awkward because there were like no tourists inside at the time. And then we were the only females inside too! But it was neat, and more authentic feeling haha. But then by the time we had finished with the Süleymaniye Mosque, we figured there probably wasn't enough time to make it to Galata Tower before it closed, and opted instead to just eat and walk home. Thus, we found a place that sold doner kebabs for only 2.50 TL near the Grand Bazaar (and got fresh squeezed OJ too for 2.50 each), and then afterwards got Turkish ice cream for 3TL from a small cart nearby! Turkish ice cream is actually a different texture than regular ice cream! It's chewier, and when they scoop it for you, they stack it in layers!
We stepped outside one more time at night to go check out the plaza by the Blue Mosque. And since it was the first night of Ramadan, there were tons of people by the Blue Mosque, and apparently there had been a big event and feast as there were tables everywhere. What we really went to see was the line of stalls set up with food and crafts for sale. It was really pretty with the lights at night! But Steph was wearing her new flower garland, and then somehow it got lost as we were walking around! :( We couldn't figure out if it was the wind that blew it away, or if someone had just taken it off of her head.... So sad!
First, we went to Hagia Sofia. There was a small line, but nothing compared to the lines we experienced in Vatican City. The admission was 25 TL, which seemed super expensive at first, but then I convert it to US dollars and realize it's actually a lot cheaper than the entrance fees in Barcelona haha. Going in, I had really high expectation for Hagia Sofia, and unfortunately I think that made me disappointed once I actually stepped inside. I was expecting to be blown away (a la Sagrada Familia) but the inside was just... nice. I think what really disappointed me was that a lot of the painting/mosaics on the ceilings were faded or chipping away. But Stephanie, who had no expectations coming in, really liked it! And it's definitely worth a visit! I just think I actually enjoyed the mosques we saw later more (and they were free!)
Inside Hagia Sofia! (The hanging chandeliers were really cool!)
Afterwards, we went in search of cheap fast food (aka doner kebabs), and ended up eating at a place where it was 5 TL each. It was definitely cheap, although other places farther away from the sites had them for as low as 2.50! (Where we ate later tonight) They have meat, some veggies, and french fries stuffed in a sandwich. I decided I don't like regular doner kebabs (I think mine had lamb? Which I'm not a huge fan of); in the future I'm opting for chicken haha.
Our lunch!
Inside the Blue Mosque!
Afterwards, we headed back to our hostel for a quick break before heading out again. We had planned on visiting another mosque (Süleymaniye Mosque) and then going over the Galata Bridge to visit the Galata Tower, but ended up getting sidetracked a bit. We decided to visit the Grand Bazaar first, where I bought a set of 2 Turkish teacups, and along the way we stumbled across another mosque so we decided to go inside to check it out! This one was a little awkward because there were like no tourists inside at the time. And then we were the only females inside too! But it was neat, and more authentic feeling haha. But then by the time we had finished with the Süleymaniye Mosque, we figured there probably wasn't enough time to make it to Galata Tower before it closed, and opted instead to just eat and walk home. Thus, we found a place that sold doner kebabs for only 2.50 TL near the Grand Bazaar (and got fresh squeezed OJ too for 2.50 each), and then afterwards got Turkish ice cream for 3TL from a small cart nearby! Turkish ice cream is actually a different texture than regular ice cream! It's chewier, and when they scoop it for you, they stack it in layers!
Princess Stephanie with her Turkish ice cream and flower garland that she bought!
We stepped outside one more time at night to go check out the plaza by the Blue Mosque. And since it was the first night of Ramadan, there were tons of people by the Blue Mosque, and apparently there had been a big event and feast as there were tables everywhere. What we really went to see was the line of stalls set up with food and crafts for sale. It was really pretty with the lights at night! But Steph was wearing her new flower garland, and then somehow it got lost as we were walking around! :( We couldn't figure out if it was the wind that blew it away, or if someone had just taken it off of her head.... So sad!
The lights were so pretty! (And they sparkled!)
Fountain & Hagia Sofia and Blue Mosque in background! (respectively)
Also, don't know if this is supposed to be friendly or not, but there are random guys that will come up and try to talk to us or help us, for who knows what reason. Like, I don't know if we're being rude ignoring them, but I just think, well if this happened in the US, I wouldn't feel bad at all about telling them to go away haha. (But then other girls have talked about how people here are super nice and just trying to help.... But for some reason I just feel like they're always heckling us or trying to get us to go into their restaurant >.<) Also doesn't help when the first thing some of them say is "Japan? Korea?" or "Ni Hao!" Dunno if we're being over-sensitive, but we find it hella annoying...
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