We planned to do a big loop today. Starting from Sultanahment, we took a ferry to the asian side, then crossed over the Bosphorus bridge to the new city and came back all the way down to Taksim. After that crossed another bridge south to Sultanahmet.

Took a ferry to from Eminou to Kadikoy which is at the Asian side.

With Juliana

With Kengo

Visited Fenerbache football stadium.

Bull

The Asian part of Istanbul is more residential.

After 2 days of looking at old buildings we wanted to look at the modern part of Istanbul. Took bus no. 500 from the Asian side crossing the Bosphorus bridge to Mendicekoy which is the new part of Istanbul.

Visited Cevahir mall which is one of the largest mall in Europe

Took a metro to Taksim. It’s so crowded and there were many people walking on the street. (Istiklal st)

Fruit Stall

Galata tower at night

We walked all the way back to our hostel in Sultanahmet.
Next day,
This was my 4th day in Istanbul and it’s time to check out. Pics with the crew, we have been traveling together for the last few days and it’s time to say goodbye.

Nice weather today. I am taking the pic at Eminou which is at the Sultanahment side and across river is the Galata side (you can see Galata tower from the pic).

I was still deciding if I should either head west to Izmir, visit Ephesus (a historical site with Roman ruins) and Parmukalle (great view of Taverstine) or keep on continue my journey to the east to Ankara. Decided on the later because of time constraint.

Got a overnight train ticket at Sekerci tran station (30TL with student card) but the train will depart from Hyderbasa which is at the Asian side.

Today is Turkey independence day and there are Turkey national flags everywhere. Turkish are quite proud of their country. The military is quite powerful here and there is a compulsory military service for man. Also we can’t access youtube in Turkey, the website is blocked by the government. So I will try to upload some videos later.

Had Adona kebab for lunch with Faruk in Taksim area. Then took a bus to Bibek which is at the northern part of Istanbul, but I got off at Kolej since it’s late in the afternoon and it will take a few hours walk to Sultanahmet.

The Bosphorus bridge

Walked around Beksitas square

Lahmacun, Turkish pizza (1.5 TL)

Had Pilav, rice with bean (1.5 TL)

and a Turuv Doner (1.5 TL) for dinner.

Firecrackers show because of Independence day celebration.

From around Bibek to Sultanahmet, it’s around 12km walk

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Took the last ferry (9.10pm) to Haderbasah train station and then took the 10.00pm train to Ankara.

I got the top sleeping berth

I heard Ankara has cases of swine flu so hope things won’t be that serious.

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