Unplanned Adventures

Sometimes the best days are the ones filled with unplanned adventures. This was my day- a day full of surprises. 

I awoke this morning to have my customary breakfast of Sigara Borek, olives, cheese, tomatoes, and Turkish tea thinking that it would be an utterly normal day: I would play with the kids, perhaps get some time to check out the neighbourhood more, have dinner with the family and then go to bed. I was taken aback when Zeynep announced that after Lal’s portfolio we would be heading down to Old Istanbul to visit what they call the historic peninsula or the district of Eminönü Sirekeci Karaköy (thanks guidebook!). I can not even begin to explain how excited I was. I grabbed my touristy musts: guidebook, camera and sunglasses and was ready for my day. 

Lal’s portfolio’s went really well. Her English teacher, a fellow Canadian, had particularly nice to things to say about her. He commented on her politeness, eagerness to help and fluency. I couldn’t help but agree. She has been such a treat, I just love spending time with her! 

After the portfolio Cem, Zeynep, Lal and I drove down to the the historic penninsula. After parking we had a bite to eat a the famous Hamdi Restaurant- a kebab house. Dad I posted some pictures of food just for you! Again, all food was amazing. I especially loved the pistachio baclava that I got to have after my meal. Yum. During lunch I heard the call to prayer from the Yeni Camii Kulliyesi mosque close by. This is the first time I got a really good listen. It’s beautiful and... I dunno, even though I can’t understand the words it’s really enchanting. It was echoing off the buildings close by and as it came in through the open windows all the tourists in the restaurant paused to take look outside.

Yeni Camii Külliyesi Mosque as seen from the road (super old- construction began in 1597). Where the call to prayer came from. Going to tour sometime this summer. 

So the salad is walnuts, parsley, red pepper, tomato, red onion with a honey, lemon balsamic dressing. The flat bread with mined meat and herbs ("Turkish Pizza") is wrapped around a mix of onions, spices, parsley and lemon. I love eating this. The thing at the back.. not exactly sure that it's called but its some type of meat baked in a doughy crust.

Baklava! Walnut and pistachio. 

Spices and Tea

After lunch we went to the market! The market is divided up similarly to markets I have seen in Bangkok or China. Some areas are spices, some stationary, clothes etc. The market is just...overwhelming to all the senses. People are rushing around pushing you, it’s hot, loud, bright colours everywhere, the smell of spices heavy in the air. I loved it all. I could spend all day wandering around. I just love how culturally rich these areas of the city are. Parts of the market is enclosed in this really old building... it’s got this new meets old feel. I going to come back sometime soon, hopefully with my cousin Sarah. 

Dried fruit and nut vendor in the spice market

Inside the market

In the outside part of the market

Around 3 we went home and I played with Can. Can and I had a long nerf gun war, which he obviously won due to my poor shooting skills. However, in my opinion, I think I should get extra points for my really good acting (fake death and following zombie awakening). 

Around dinner time Can, Lal, Zeynep and I went to see a basketball game in downtown Istanbul. Lal’s friend’s dad coaches the Galatasaray basketball team. We went to the game with Lal’s friends family and sat super close to the court. The girls were so excited  screaming and cheering the entire time. They were SO HAPPY when Galatasaray beat the Tofas team 80-66, qualifying them for the Turkish basketball playoffs. 

Today was such an amazing day. I am so thankful to have a family that really makes an effort to include me in activities and takes the time to talk to me. Taking me out to see all the historical parts of Istanbul have made my trip all the more rewarding. Getting to know the areas with locals first makes me confident that I can go back myself. 

I want to end this post by thanking everyone for all the support and love they have been giving me! This blog initially started for those of my family without facebook to keep up to date with what I was up to without me having to send out a bunch of e-mails. Your comments, kind words, messages and support make me feel like you are here experiencing Turkey with me. 

Missing you all, much love.