Istanbul Continued

Today's itinerary was to visit the Bazaars. Woke up late past breakfast so our first meal was an early lunch (or late breakfast?) of donner kebap (thinly sliced lamb roasted in a spit) on pita with french fries (inside the pita not on the side), tomato, lettuce, onions. Perfect.

We entered the Misir Carsis also known as Egyptian Bazaar or Spice Bazaar. Colors overwhelmed. The spices were mound high and I was afraid one sneeze would create an avalanche of spices.
















Then the sounds followed. Vendors were offering free samples of Turkish Delight to everyone. We did taste different varieties ranging from chocolate, coconut dusted, rosewater, pistachio, walnut, sugar and honey. I'm sure that there were more than what I listed. You can also buy caviar & tea (chamomile, rose-hip, apples, lemons and oranges). By the time we got to the other end of the building, I was already full but of course had to buy some baklava (again, the variety was endless- although Colin and I really liked the pistachio ones).

We ventured out and walked uphill to get to the Kapali Carsi or Grand Bazaar.














It was a labyrinth of stores selling anything from Turkish Delight to carpet to leather goods. It was a mall in more exotic setting - more loud, aggressive and confusing. But the vaulted ceilings are beautiful.


















We made our way back to the Spice Bazaar (preferring that market) but took another way. We found ourselves on a street selling camouflage clothing, brass knuckles, ammo and rifles. I definitely preferred the Spice Bazaar.

On our way home, the rain came down and we ducked into one of the outside eateries with makeshift tarp covering by the Galata Bridge. These boats have grills in them and would sway violently with the tide. The cooks would grill mackerel while swaying. I was getting sea sick just watching them. The balik ekmek (fish in bread)was eaten with a sprinkle of salt and lemon juice available at each small table. It was fun eating the sandwich while watching Istanbul go about their day.

After a good rest we wandered out again to Ortakoy village for dinner and had to try what everyone seemed to be eating. It was no street food we had ever encountered, it was a stuffed baked potato called kumpir. Not just any stuffed baked potato, this one can be piled on with everything including the kitchen sink!


The vendor sliced open a hot potato and ladled on cheese and butter and whip it to resemble mashed potato still in its jacket then asked you what you fancy for toppings: potato salad, pickles, cous cous, corn, sausage, green olives, more olive paste, yogurt and other toppings that I still cannot identify. And we said yes to all of them. We settled in one of the park benches overlooking the Bosphorus and tackle this football of a potato - glad that we were sharing just one!

To top the evening off we went to another vendor selling waffles and, of course, had to buy one. Again, just like the humble potato, this humble waffle is transformed into a wrap filled with white and dark chocolate sauce, peanut butter, strawberries, kiwi, banana and chopped nuts. Again, sharing was a must.















Here's Colin browsing through one of the stalls for a book which cost $9 and up for a used copy. Luckily he did not find one he liked. (Later on the trip, he did find a new copy at the same price)













The stalls at Ortakoy












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