A Journey of Discovery: July 2013

Turkey - 7 June 2013 @ Istanbul

Today was my last day in Istanbul. I decided to wake up early and make my trip to the modern side of Istanbul. However, I met someone from Brisbane during breakfast and we had a bit of chat. It was almost mid morning when I walked across the Golden Horn Bridge. I wanted to take the metro to save some time but couldn't be bother to figure out how to use the Istanbul Kart as it was my last day anyway. I realised how I took things for granted when I had a guide with me.

Somehow, I still managed to get my way to Galata Tower by asking for direction. I went up to the Galata Tower and enjoyed the paranomic views of Istanbul.

Istikal Avenue, major shopping street in Istanbul

Taksim Square

Grilled chicken salad @ Ist Cafe Patisserie Restaurant

St Anthony of Padua Catholic Cathedral, Istikal Caddesi

Eminonu

Turkey - 6 June 2013 @ Istanbul

Finally back to Istanbul, back to civilisation. After breakfast at a local eatery, we bid goodbye to other fellow travellers. What a strange feeling. After sending one and another off, I decided to wander around Sultanahment area and the Grand Bazaar.

Back to this eatery second time

I set off for the Bosphorus Sunset Cruise with few of us who were still around. The journey was phenomenal though it was windy and cold.

Finally I have decided I had enough of the Turkish food and need some change. Hence I ordered the Asian chicken noodle at Red River Pub and Restuarant.

Asian Chicken Noodle

Turkey - 5 June 2013 @ Overnight bus to Istanbul

Today few of us went for quad biking. I was a bit nervous as I have not done it before. The topography of the area is just so interesting..

Hotel owner's son

We had our last dinner as a group at Sedef Restuarant before heading back to Istanbul on an overnight bus ride.

Testi Kebab

Turkey - 4 June 2013 @ Gerome

As there was a hot air balloon crashed near Luxor, Egypt that killed 19 tourists in February 2013, I was very nervous and a bit paranoid especially this was my first time on a hot air balloon. I had even done lots of research on the hot air balloon companies in the Cappadocia region prior to my arrival in Turkey.

I didn't sleep well due to my anxieties, coupled with the fact that we had to wake up at 4am to be picked up by the hot air balloon operator.

This hot air balloon ride was truly a mind-blowing experience for me and it was so surreal. The highest altitude was just over 7000 feet. I just enjoyed the sunrise and the quietness in its surroundings with the amazing landscape. How I wished the time would just come to a standstill.

After the ride, we were dropped off at our hotel for a rest. Thereafter, we had a mini hike with our guide. The terrain itself was not difficult at all however it was downhill most of the times and there were a couple of times I nearly tripped over.