We left Cirali and headed to a city called Antalya to catch our 5pm flight to Istanbul. Fortunately we got into Antalya nice and early and decided to try out a hamam - Turkish bath - apparently some of the best are in Kaleici (old town Antalya). After snaking through a dozen alley-size roads likely intended for bicycles and pedestrians in the torrential rain, we found Balik Pazari, a 700-year-old hamam.
A hamam is another must do in Turkey. In fact I wish we did it a few times. I'm a spa person and this is just another variation but so authentically Turkish. I won't take you step by step - it's easy to find a write up online - but we both walked out so relaxed (and a little bruised - in a good way) and cleaner than we've ever been before. Hearing the rain pouring outside made it even better in there.
After the hamam we headed to the airport, barely seeing through the windshield and avoiding some serious flooding. It was a big rainstorm. When we arrived at the entrance to the domestic terminal we were caught in a traffic jam at the gates which were stuck shut due to the rain. It was an entertaining 30 minute wait (luckily we had time) watching the Turks around us in a rage. An attendant finally arrived and he had to break the arms along five different gates so that cars could get into the terminal! It was beyond ridiculous.
Because of the rain storm our flight ended up being delayed eight hours. We didn't get to our hotel until about four in the morning. We still had our shorts and sandals on and were completely soaked (it was raining in Istanbul too). I've never been more excited when we got into our room at the Galata Antique Hotel and it was carpeted! So cozy.
We spent our last two days in Istanbul visiting the Grand Bazaar - the world's oldest market and grand it is with over 4000 shops - and shopping on Istikal Street, a popular local drag in the city.
Breakfast on the rooftop at the hotel.
Waiting for the train to the Bazaar.
Entrance to the Grand Bazaar.
Inside the Grand Bazaar.
The fanciest cowboy boots I've ever seen.
Near the end of our day our cheap umbrella broke! And the rain continued...
We stumbled on a sushi bar and Josh was like a kid in a candy store. He's clearly got a mouthful in this photo.
Finally a Nargile bar. Josh had had a bad cough for most of Turkey and wasn't able to smoke Nargile - which he was kind enough to remind me every other day. This was high on Josh's list of to-dos and fortunately we got a recommendation to a back alley spot packed to the brim with men and women all smoking their water pipes.
Our server Jimmy was an awesome host and he was happy to show us how it's done.
Thank you Turkey for an incredible three weeks and enough memories to last a lifetime. But we'll be back again soon.
Next stop: Josh's homeland, Israel.
Location:Antalya and Istanbul, Turkey
