People

Today, I was an independent traveller. Up early and out into a bright sunny day across the Galata Bridge, past all the fishermen and the simit* sellers to Sultanahmet.

The Spice Bazar was rammed, the Grand Bazar was closed. Mosque no 1 was quiet and contemplative but down the hill at the Blue Mosque and Aya Sofya was a whole can of tourist hell. The insides of both buildings are breathtaking. The tiles in the Mosque and the mosaics and scale of Aya Sofya are so impressive but the tourists. Endless selfies and video capture, big group tours following Turkish flag holders, very few people in the moment just thinking WOW.

From there a wander through some quieter streets and the purchase of the best Evil Eye merchandise yet. Then it was back to tourist central as I head back towards Beyoglu for tea by the Bosphorus.

A quiet night in with a movie, kebab and a beer.

*for Scottish people, this is not a vest but a pastry.