Istanbul - Day 3

Tram to Kabatas (we were dab hands by now), and then the impressive new underground funicular metro to Taksim Square. Public-transport-tastic. Ambled down the main street Istiklal Caddesi, stopping for refreshing tea at a pavement cafe, the waitress gleefully practising her English with us. Carried on to the Galata Tower which gave us great views of the city, then walked through the old streets of Karakoy to the shore, where we sat on plastic chairs and enjoyed fresh fish sandwiches in the sun - fish caught by these sorts of chaps on the Galata bridge. So tasty.

Walked across the Galata Bridge and ventured into the Egyptian Spice Bazaar, which was as expected an enjoyable place to walk around. Bought some Paprika from one friendly chap. Back to the hotel via the Suleymaniye Mosque, which was unfortunately mainly shut for restoration, but you still got a sense of it's awe-inspiring magnitude. Beer and cake again on the terrace, before a cosy and relaxing dinner outside at the Metropolis Cafe near our hotel, meeting Mohsen - a charming a hospitable waiter who - like others - gladly chatted with us. Nothing was any trouble, and all at a refreshing languid pace. Great.