Before I talk about the day ahead, i’d like to mention about my new found love for the Turkish Breakfast. No other European country I’ve travelled yet, have I seen a spread that generous.
Ok then, sorry for the tease as I will be able to put up the breakfast pictures only tomorrow (sometimes technology can be a bone instead of a boon).
As i walked along the the Old city which is the main area for sightseeing with iconic monuments , mosques such as The Blue Mosque, Haiga Sophia, the Grand Bazzar, The Topkapi Palace, the Hippodrome etc. I was awe struck by the fabulous fruit displays on the way. These vendors make you variety of fresh juices that tastes divine and have been serving as our hourly energisers.
Covered the Dolmabahce Palace, built in 19th century is one of the most glamorous palaces in the world. It was the administrative center of the late Ottoman Empire with the last of Ottoman Sultans was residing there.
The palace is strung with some spectacular crystal chandeliers, the best that the world can offer and no picture can capture it’s grandness.
Post the palace, a street outside the famous Grand Bazaar was were I caught a quick bite.
A mixed kabab platter with authentic Turkish bread, a veg turkish pizza followed with a relaxing cup of Turkish tea.
The inseparable rocket leaves, I found quite a combination with each platter.
The only thing I missed was a squeeze of fresh lemon juice which the locals here do not really fancy as it took them minutes to get the same. Guess they trust their spices and local flavours utmost.
The bread so fresh is a lonesome great filler anytime.
The pizza I will completely pass for it’s too thick and cheesy to relish.
These beautiful tea cups have already found way in my luggage along with the aromatic tea leaves.
The tea was a perfect mood setter for the next stop. The historic Turkish Bath! This by far has been the most amazing experience of the trip so far. The magnificent bathing ritual at the most authentic place in the city: The Suleymaniye Hamam ( built in the yr 1557) has been experience of its kind.
The bath set me ready for the night at the Ortakoy, a charming neighbourhood of renovated old buildings. Offers everything a traveller would ask for. Strolling around and street shopping left us hardly any time for beer and bread.
Finally landed up eating a late meal at the famous Turkish cafe (ice cream parlour turned a cafe chain,presents in over 10 counties) called Mado.
Tried the famous Turkish lentil soup and the tomato and carrot soup.
Followed by the Turkish layered Yufka (phyllo) cheese pie called Borek.
To finally call it a rejuvenated night, some traditional sweet Baklava and Turkish coffee was a good idea.
Dried & Roasted Pumpkin Seeds.And Dried Paprika. All these I plan to use as salad garnish.
A delicious paste of Tomato,Sweet Paprika,Walnut, Cumin in extra VirginOlive Oil. will soon be used as a party dip. Pomegranate Sour for salad dressing.
The aromatic Greek Herbs and Black Kalamon Olives with pepper & chilli.
And yes, all this happened at the cost of no clothes, no bags and no shoe shopping!! 😦
Indian Born Confused Gourmet 