Out with the washing and on with packing ourselves up and getting our things ready for a few days in Istanbul as we thought we would have to leave the Camel some distance from our accommodation. I also took the opportunity to carry out the 6000 mile service checks (we’ve actually done 5169 miles so far), although the oil change will have to wait for a friendly garage so I can use their disposal facilities. Just a couple of minor things to keep an eye on, but, fingers crossed, everything is running fine (thanks again Ben).
A quick lunch then we departed back to the dual carriageway towards Istanbul. We filled up with our first expensive Turkish diesel, but we did get a cup of çay whilst they gave us a free jet wash (Anne is still not a tea convert, so I had to finish hers). We also got a free box of tissues and an air freshener to hang in the Land Rover; we needed the latter to combat the slight aroma of EP90 that was hanging about (that’s oil that smells like cat pee to uninitiated).
Traffic into Istanbul wasn’t as bad as I feared, although again Anne was driving (as in Athens) so all I had to concentrate on was finding our way to the Sultanahmet district, whilst Anne concentrated on the aggressive Turkish drivers (and gave as good as she got!).
We were amazed we only passed one accident on the way in - several cars had, unsurprisingly, rear-ended each other. We passed through the city walls, rebuilt in 447 AD after an earthquake (originally constructed in 413 AD) and followed signs down narrow streets until we came out between the Blue Mosque and the Aya Sofya - not a bad first sight. SPOT
A quick loop round had us asking for directions from some very helpful parking attendants. We managed to drive past the Hanedan Hotel twice as it’s down a side street, but we eventually made it and they kindly moved three cars so that we could get the Camel in just outside (no need to pay for secure parking - excellent).
We’re in a family room for the first couple of nights, with space for four, but we’ll have to move across the road on Friday to their sister Hotel Peninsula as the Hanedan is full.
Off for a bit of a wander whilst it’s still light had us fending off restaurant touts - all very friendly and good natured, but it’s best to avoid too much eye contact otherwise they think they have you. I succumbed to the tales of woe about the seven children of a shoe shine man and had a quick shine (as my leather shoes were looking a bit worse for wear) – he wasn’t that impressed at our “donation” of 5 TL as he was after 20 from each of us – I don’t think so as that would have been almost £17 for about 3 minutes work.
Meatballs, white beans and pickled chillies were enjoyed at the Tarihi Sultanahmet Köftecisi Selim Usta, which is meant to be the authentic experience, and was filled mainly with locals.
Then back to the hotel to utilise the free Wi-Fi to finally upload the blog, which took about 3 hours as the connection wasn’t the fastest.
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