Our second day in Istanbul was spent with Umut for the first part learning the history of the Grand Bazaar and Spice Bazaar.
Opened in 1461 the Grand Bazaar is one of the oldes and largest covered bazaars in the world. Between 250,000 - 400,000 visitors pass through its gates DAILY. Can you imagine? You can read more about its history here.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grand_Bazaar,_Istanbul
My favorite shopping area turned out to be the Spice Market
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spice_Bazaar,_Istanbul where we found the same things the Grand Bazaar offers only on a smaller scale. You are also treated to honey/nut candies to keep up your energy as you pass by all the shops. Of course we had to purchase some which came in handy on our trip to Ephesus. More on that later.
Here, we learned all about the history of the Spice Bazaar as well as what they do with some of the things we saw hanging in the shops. The things you see hanging here that I wish I could have brought home but getting through customs may have been iffy. It is dried Eggplant that you can take home and boil, then stuff with rice, veggies and beans or meat, cover with tomato sauce and cheese and bake in the the oven until done. YUM!
And did you know that Henna starts out green? I had no idea!
What I was not expecting was this (see photo) and it goes to show that the Turks really have a great sense of humor. Turkish Viagra. Now keep in mind that you can actually purchase the real thing in pharmacies on the corners here as an over the counter drug and the boxes are prominently displayed in the windows as you pass by. This Turkish Viagra is similar to a Power Bar in the U.S. with honey and nuts to keep up your strength for shopping of course. ...because there is PLENTY of shopping to be had!
The only thing I can say is it is a good thing food and lodging is cheap because I blew my budget on jewelry (my favorite thing to purchase when traveling) scarves and Pashminas. I got some beautiful things but have no idea how I am going to get all this extra stuff in my luggage including the cool purse I picked up. Creative packing I guess.
The pastry shops have been a surprise here and just as good as the ones we found in Paris. They take great pride in their culinary prowess and we did some damage to the box of goodies we purchased on our walk.
see before and after?
Speaking of prowess....have I mentioned all the cats? Yes, I am sure I have. The are very abundant because they are revered animals in that they saved humans from being wiped from the planet via the plague. Originally they thought that cats were just lucky and one was fortunate to be in their presence because they (the cats) did not get sick. But then they realized they were actually helping humans by eating the mice who were causing the plagues and other diseases. Shan (who is a veterinarian) and I have been having great fun taking photos of all the cats and sometimes dogs here. The cats have been very lovely and friendly for the most part.
Soon it was time to say goodbye to our guide Umut and as we exited the building I saw a beautiful bucket of roses and right next to it a squirming mass of LEECHES in the container beside them. Apparently they can still suck the illness out of you as well. Maybe they are good luck too?
Having a lovely time in Turkey!
Ciao for now....I am headed to bed for my last exciting day here on the other side of the world. It is now almost 11pm Sunday and we spent the day at Ephesus taking photos. You won't believe my next blog. Cool Stuff!
No comments:
Post a Comment