From the moment you arrive at Istanbul’s IST airport, you are impressed. It’s organised, with clear communication, modern, yet proudly showing its place in the world, spotless and able to cope with the multitude of people who are either arriving or departing.

It’s not too soon, when they are in a taxi heading to their hotel, that they start to realise the magnitude of the city reflected by the traffic.Unlike Delhi, its organised and not a free for all. Unlike other busy cities they have been in, some of this city is in the continent of Europe with the majority of Istanbul being across the Bospherous in the Asian continent!

The Bospherous.

These travellers opted for hotel, a block back from the Marmara Sea and close to the Blue Mosque. They slowly got used to helpful Jakob from the hotel, questioning them each time they stepped out the front door with : Where are you going? Just for a walk? You need to have boat ride on the Bosphorus first! Where have you been? etc It was hilarious. He also delivered them refreshments… whenever he felt they needed them.

Hot VERY sweet apple tea and Turkish delights.

The area in Salahmat where they stayed is easy to navigate and has all the main points of interest. The Blue Mosque and Haga Sophia dominate the space in the centre. It’s a toss up for the retirees which they each preferred. Both are meticulously cared for (however one has an entry fee of $25USD and one is free.) Around the same area is the famous Grand Bazaar with 3600 stalls. When you are in there it is like a giant maze where you try to escape, but have lots of difficulties. It’s like you are on the Amazing Race with the clock ticking.

Mr and Ms X received a generous gift of a treatment to the historical Hamam (which sits between the 2 mosques) from their children and their partners and grandchildren. They both agreed it was fantastic but unfortunately, this was the only photo allowed.

The real stars of the city were:

  1. The 1617AD Blue Mosque that stands big and tall with its 6 minarets and exquisite blue tiles.
  2. The Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque/Museum 537AD which stands opposite the Blue Mosque and is larger. It was originally a Christian Church.
  3. The Topkapi Palace which was the centre of the Ottoman Empire and where all its sultans lived.
  4. Sultanahmet Square where you stand in the midst of the ancient Roman hippodrome and an obelisk.

The other star during their time in Istanbul was the food. Street food, ‘boffees‘, desserts and fine dining were all experienced and enjoyed.

The travellers felt very very safe in this large city, the “meeting place of the world“ as the locals like to caption their hometown.

And, as a safeguard, they have TOURIST police at every corner, (just to be sure).