After a late start after sleeping in and figuring out tomorrow’s travel plans, we headed off to our last sight in Istanbul: Topkapi Palace.
The palace was built for the sultan’s pleasure and it appeared that they spared no expense. We went through room after room decorated in amazingly intricate tile and gold walls and ceilings, formal gardens with views, and saw about 10 different thrones that the sultan got to choose from. Among the other impressive artifacts, they also had holy relics like the prophet’s beard, John the Baptist’s arm and skull, Moses’ rod (a well worn stick, must have been used for a few years), among other things.
Ornate ceiling
Because everyone needs a niche to store your turban
Shane went on to visit the harem (an additional 15 YTL) and then we headed back to the bazaar for some last minute things.
Vegetable stand outside the market
On our way back, we took a different route through a more local market area, where we were the only tourists. We witnessed an alteration involving a knife (and turned back to go a different way in a hurry), and saw the most amusing sight of an old Turkish grandma smirking and slowly turning and shooting diners at an outdoor cafe with a toy gun that lit up and made noise.
We’re taking the early flight back to Frankfurt tomorrow, leaving the hotel at about the same time we arrived just 5 days ago. The alarm is set for 3:45 am, before the first morning call to prayer. UFTA.
Sooooo funny! —I was just thinking about the Terminator Turkish Granny yesterday!… Sweet little old broad wearing her burkha, gleefully “taking out” the entire sidewalk cafe, knees bent in assault position w/ her toy gun until the party pooper waiter scooted her away…
I was laughing away all by myself yesterday!
An easy story to forget but it DID provide for a good laugh. I must forever walk w/ my camera in my hand so I can capture these moments….