Saw the inside of 1,500 year=old Hagia Sophia today. The dome was higher than I thought, very nice. As was the 1000-year-old graffitti on the marble banisters. As usual, scafholding to the extreme. Skipped the 32,000,000TL Topkapiand instead had a much needed nap.
Also realized every single tolet I’ve used on this trip locates its flush mechanism in highly different and creative places: under a suspended tank, levers on top, pull cords. Dido for light switches.
Found a great kebob stand a few blocks away run by an old Kurdish man and his two sons. 2,000,000 for a large pita with chicken, onion, pepper and crazy good spices. Notice a lot of Kurds here from speaking with kebob owners, postcard sellers and our hostels ringer, an 18-year-old guy who walks around the streetsbeing overly flirty with girl backpackers and buddy buddy with the guys.
Gonna head over to one of the many bazaars this evening, then cross to New Istanbul to catch the sunset behind the old city. Oh ya, after a 50,000,000TL consulate letter, colour photos, forms, 86,000,000TL fee and 2 days,got my Syrian tourist tax…I mean Visa. Caught a few prayers at local mosques. Suplication in unison is very impressive.
Last night in Istanbul. Will catch a 10-hour night bus to Selcuk tomorrow, save on at least one night accomodation.
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