Intro
Turkey! It is exotic. It is the link between Asia and Europe and yet its people consider themselves more or less Mideastern. Turkey is vibrant. Turkey is everything – the instagram pictures and youtube videos you watch, the disaster and its politics. Of course, its all notorious scams (or yes, it’s a 3-pager and probably more than the rest of the world combined. It is not exaggeration. I have witnessed in actions myself).
Turkey is by no mean a poor country, not comparing to Asia. The desperation seems to rather not economically driven but perhaps cultural.
Influenced by various social media myself, I had this impression about Turkey being somewhat affordable but with European standard. Yet, I constantly found myself paying Western European prices but without its standard.
Day 1
After barely 2-hr of sleep, I was up for breakfast that’s included with my hostel stay.
Breakfast was surprisingly nice with free flow tea and coffee. Ham, cheese and fresh fruits and veggies are provided.
Had a chat with two African Americans who were in Istanbul doing a short trip. One actually lived in China and knew Chinese quite well. Very well educated and we had long discussions around world politics.
Decided to take a walk around town and in time for the Old city free walking tour.
Next was the Blue Mosque
It’s the only Mosque that has 6 towers (minarets)
Spring time
Our guide took us to a local restaurant
Later in the afternoon, I joined another walking tour that serves as an alternative to the morning tour where the focus is on the not so well known spots in the old town.
I somehow decided to do more on that beautiful sunny day to tour this so called Underground water palace
It’s really just a waterway built during Roman era. It’s definitely an awe that we humans were able to pull it through during those time. As tourist attraction, it’s a bit overwhelming (long line, 330TRY ticket price)
Finally it’s almost dark in which the line for the Blue Mosque started to wind down for a quick visit.
Lastly, we decided to visit Hagia Sophia which features unique combination of both as a Mosque and as a Church
Pictures rarely do justice. It is indeed one of the highlights of Istanbul
Later, I sat down for our another Turkish Kebab.
It’s a long and productive day
Day 2
Woke up leisurely to take a walk around the water front
I decided to hop on the Asia side for a walking tour
First stop was this island that was built in the middle of the ocean
We stopped by a small mosque and then a local market for some sweets
Finally a more interesting part was the Jewish neighborhood
To be honest, up until this point the tour wasn’t too captive. The viewpoint was nice nevertheless
Lastly we got to try this famous boiled mussels
Last stop before saying goodbye to our tour guide was the local coffee house
Our guide gave us some pointers where to eat local. We obliged.
Lastly we hopped on a ferry to get back. This is where I saw at the metro card station where a local was trying to “help” and then asked for money for the tip. From all the try hard restaurants staff who would literally drag you into their shops if you ever made eye contact, this is probably not a surprise.
Got back to the hostel for a beer before calling it a a day
Day 3
Another walking day. Took a tram across the water to see the Taksim Square
The square itself wasn’t too interesting, but it led me to the best kebab and cheapest one in Istanbul
Saw a Starbucks and felt obligated to get a Turkish coffee there
Lastly was to see the one of the Ottoman palaces (Dolmabahçe Palace)
Unfortunately, no photos allowed in the interior.
It’s 450 TRY for 2 palaces and 1 paint museum with audio guides. High quality and worth the money.
Went to a brewery to sample Turkish take on its beers
Dinner time
Took a taxi back ($7.59 for half an hour ride) to my hostel and called it a day
Day 4
Last full day in Istanbul
Walked around a local park a bit before heading to the Bazaars
Next was to see the Tower in the picture above
Where the views are just astonishing
Stairs to go down
Lunch time
Post lunch, I walked to a trendy shopping district
One last Turkish coffee with a cheese cake!
Walked around a Art museum a bit
Last stop was the Grand Bazaar
Dinner I decided to order a mix plate at a restaurant near my hostel to treat myself for a last dinner in Istanbul
Day 5
Got up early enough for my mid day flight to Cappadocia. Getting to the airport isn’t easy due to lack of good transportation (airport is extremely far 40km from the city, designs like this is rare. In comparison, KLIA to KL downtown for the same distance is 28min). The most reliable and cheap way consists of 1 taxi ride and 3 metro rides.
Took almost 2.5 hours to get to the airport, upon checking in and security, I barely had time to sit down for a breakfast before boarding
For thing I do want to compliment on is the Turkish airline’s service. For a $30 flight, it got a hot meal. A checked bag was also included.
Took a shuttle to my hostel (180TRY)
The general lack of trust in the tourist town means I had to pay everything in cash immediately at check in time. Quite annoying, I didn’t have enough and was told to just pay every cent I had in my pocket and go get money right away essentially.
Without much of a break, went straight for some coffee and enjoy the afternoon warm weather (to research what to do next days)
Walked around town a bit
Went up to a view point (10 TRY)
Dinner was bad. Little meat, expensive and dry.
Went to bed early due to being a travel day
Day 6
Signed up this so called Green Tour (43Euros) It’s a full day tour that includes lunch and the underground city. Pretty good value
Then we were taken to this Underground city where the old Christians hid
It is said that the city had 13 floors. Only 8 was open to the public. It’s also said it’s possible that all Underground cities were connected. Further excavation will reveal. The cities are definitely unique to this region, a highlight for sure.
Done with the Underground city and then headed to the green valley where we would have our lunch
We were taken to the overpriced sweet shops to sample and buy
The samples were quite good nevertheless.
Dinner time
Day 7
Trekking day! (32KM!) Self guided red tour.
First was the Open Air Museum 450TRY including the audio guide
Great place to learn Biblical stories.
Next was to lunch at the old Turkish house restaurant
The house was beautifully decorated. The owners were nice. Food was a bit subpar. The desert was good.
Next was to see the chimneys
Next was to see the Red valley
The route to the Red valley was probably more or so the highlight than the destination itself
At this point. The hostel host was constantly texting asking for payment for the ballon ride next day. I told him I’d make payment upon arrival back to hostel as I was out hiking. He was just really bitching about how he had to pay out of pocket for me etc. Not sure why they don’t clear transactions weekly or so for something that’s done so regularly. Whatever. It kinda ruined my day that I had to constantly check phones instead of focusing on the views.
I missed sunset, too
We ended up having two dinners. The first one was a bit of a bust, and the second one turned to be great for the value. The owners were very playful and friendly.
Expenses
| Week 24 | Currency: | TRY | 19.52 | |
| Day | Food&Drink | Lodging | Transportation | Other (tickets/tours etc) |
| 1 | $33.85 | $21.04 | $7.78 | $50.39 |
| 2 | $26.69 | $16.94 | $5.12 | $53.30 |
| 3 | $43.23 | $16.94 | $10.15 | $23.05 |
| 4 | $30.99 | $16.94 | $0.00 | $0.00 |
| 5 | $19.47 | $16.91 | $42.65 | $0.51 |
| 6 | $24.74 | $16.91 | $0.00 | $47.13 |
| 7 | $33.56 | $16.91 | $0.00 | $32.79 |
| $212.53 | $122.58 | $65.70 | $207.17 | |
| Total | Grand Total: | $607.97 |
You found my Turkey scooter program, haha! I can’t keep the secret anymore. Marti is Turkish for seagull, so maybe I’m secretly a seagull.
Beautiful photos and places you chose to go. I love the history and places of Turkey. I’m glad you were able to visit the Underground City and show your adventures there.