We are at the last leg, back to Istanbul. From snowing in Bolu, we reached Istanbul for the Bosphorus Cruise. It was cold. I used my entire heat pack and I forgot to wear my longjohn. Too cold. It is however beautiful. We passed under a lot of bridges including the Bosphorus Bridge and we were told about how Muhammad Al-Fateh conquered Constantinopole on how he drag his ship from the hill.

Bosphorus river

I was freezing and I went inside to have coffee. We disembarked and had lunch at a local restaurant. We then went to Al Ansari Mosque. This mosque holds the final resting of Prophet Muhammad PBUH companion, Abu Ayyub Al Ansari. Near the mosque, there is graveyard which one of them belong to a Malaysian student named Ahmad Ammar.

There is a tradition for Turkish for young boys before they had their circumcision. The boys will be dressed in a warrior like costume with swords and the parents took them to Abu Ayyub's tomb as a blessing ritual. This is to give courage to the boy and with hopes that the boy will grow to be as pious and good as Abu Ayyub Al Ansari.

We also went to the Istanbul museum which holds various arftifacts dated back to the Paleolithic era. We then race to the Tulip Garden. As I had mentioned, tulips originated in Turki and with the month of April, Tulip Garden does not disappoint us at all.

Don't you just love this?

We walk thru the garden and then went to the Spice Bazaar. Okay, Spice Bazaar and Grand Bazaar lain ye. Spice bazaar offers wide range of spices such as saffron. Since we are not keen of cooking any Biryani rice soon, we just chilled out.

There is a mosque besides the bazaar. Since it is cold, I took refuge inside the mosque. Just like every other mosque in Turkey, this mosque was decorated with beautiful square tiles. Okay, I did not speak Turkish and therefore, I could not find the place for ablution dedicated for woman. Instead, I had to take my ablution outside in the mosque square with water that is so cold that it numbs my limbs.

Pelik jugaklah ambil wudhuk di kawasan terbuka. Bayangkan jelah betapa seksa nya nak cover aurat. Semua orang pandang pelik je tengok kami semua terkinja ambil wudhuk. Well...

We then rushed to the Grand Bazaar, since this place is almost near to its closing hours. I went in there alone since my mum is not feeling well. The tour guide numerously told us to be careful since it is easy to get lost in it. Every alley looks the same and it is important to know where you turns and the number of gate you entered.

Spice Bazaar

Grand Bazaar entrance

I browse quickly to buy some pashminas, many are just not my taste or the fabric is wrong or is just not what Im looking for. Then I encountered a shop being taken care of from a teenage boy named Yassin. We talk, get to know each other and I bought 3 pieces from him. The design in his store is just what I looked for. I can say the price for pashmina shawl ranges between 20-45 Lira a piece. By the time I went out, some shops have already close and there is a huge police forces came rushing through the gate. I ran to the gate so that I will not be locked in.

Our dinner in Istanbul

We then waited in the freezing weather before being shuffled to the hotel. We ate out at a nice place for dinner. We had mackerel fish with some rice. I was horrified to find how bony the fish is. I actually went to the Grand Bazaar the next morning, right before we checked out. Ibu wanted to buy some tshirts for my uncle.

We walked to the Grand Bazaar and bought the tshirt on the first store. We walked back to the hotel where suddenly, the rain pour very heavily. We were drenched despite wearing rain coats and reached the hotel in time to pack our luggage.

We then depart to the airport where we bid goodbye to Mr Ouz. Once again, I was held at the immigration counter. It still bothers me on why do I have to go through this even when I am in fact en route to my home country. The flight was pleasant except the part where I was served a less than pleasant looking Nasi Lemak for breakfast.

Overall, I think this tour group by Andalusia is by far the most economical and the best tour group. They catered everything. There is no need to worry about praying times, food and comfort. It is so worth it. With the experienced tour leader and tour guide, our trip could not have been so perfect.

The tomb of Mustapha Kamal Attartuk

Yes, we arrived the capital city of Turkey which is Ankara. The site that we went to is the Mustpha Kamal Atartuk Museum and Tomb. Okay, I was half asleep when we reached here. Suddenly we have to go through security check point before going into the compound.

Royal guard

Mustapha Kamal is the most famous Prime minister for Turkey. They called him the Modernization Father of Turkey. He is the one who ended the Ottoman Empire. A lot of urban legend surrounds his life and death. We go through the museum complex and we went inside the tomb. We were lucky to witness the change of guards. The weather was extremely cold. I almost pee myself waiting outside.

Ingat Buckingham Palace je ada change of guards. Turkey pun hado. Dikatakan Kamal Atartuk ni banyak mencabar hukum Allah. Dialah yang menyebabkan penduduk Turki ni bertukar kepada Islam Sekular. Mereka dah tak amalkan gaya hidup Islam, cuma Islam on paper sahaja. Dikatakan Kamal Atartuk ni menghadapi penyiksaan di saat akhir hidup dia dan tak diterima Bumi. Nauzubillah.

We then went to the pottery place and jewelry place. As usual, I just watched and not buy anything. The turquoise blue enamel is the most sought after type of jewelery in Turkey. We arrived the Romantic City of Bolu. That's what Mr Ouz said. Bolu is a charming old city. Our hotel, Koru Hotel looks like a cottage. I managed to buy some Turkish Delights (honey based) on the way to the hotel. For honey based lokum, it costs you per 100 gram.

Pottery making demonstration

All pottery are hand-painted

The next morning, it snow! We were shocked because it was staring of Spring but it actually snowing outside. I only got to see the settled down snow in Europe but not snowing! This is my first time experiencing this. I never thought that snow looks like cotton falling from the sky. We then continue our Journey back to Istanbul, which will be in the next post.

Snowing in Bolu

I planned to go for the hot balloon ride in Cappadocia. We are asked to be at the lobby at 5.30 am in the morning. The glorious morning came and after waiting for 2 hours, we got the call that the ballon ride was cancelled because of high winds. T_T


My heart shattered to pieces although Mr Ouz said that we might get to go the next morning. I saw my dream crushed again. We all went out to the carpet factory - yes another Turkey speciality. The owner show us that every carpet is hand made and it can take years for a carpet to be fully completed. That right there, gives us the hint for the price.


Mr Ouz jokingly said that we will see flying carpet. Indeed, they are! The seller threw the carpet in the air where it spun 3 times and changed colour. My Goodness. Changing colour flying carpet. We asked for some small rugs. The price? Smallest ones costs USD 500. Now, go cry in the corner. Without a doubt, Turkish carpet has the best quality and design. The vibrant colour of the carpet stays for decades and it is made from natural ingredient such as flowers or fruits. No wonder the price is sky high.

Cappadocia

We then went to Goreme open Air Museum. This place was actually carved out to become monestary and churches. I actually went up to the upper level to go into several churches. There are many small churches, where inside, there are full of wall paintings. This place has it's own charm and it is mystical.

Mr Ouz mentioned this was a monestary for girls

Goreme Open Air Museum

Next, the Underground City of Cappadocia. Since my mum is a claustrophobic, She went in there for a bit and turn back when she saw that we have to go through a tiny, small and sloping walkway. My experience? Scary, tight space, dark but adventurous. I was excited all the way. You have to basically crouch and squats everytime you're inside the tunnel. Work my glutes!

I was sweating by the end of the tour

Here they show where early civilization store their foods and sleep and meet. they even have school! It is amazing to think that people in 6-8 B.C can build a whole city. Not for people with claustrophobic though. When I exited the city, I was sweating despite it being cold.

As for souvenirs, a shop in my hotel provides cheap and reasonably priced souvenirs. The cheapest so far in turkey. I bought few pashminas and I bought everyone a Turkey wallet pouch which costs 1 Lira.

The next morning, I was broken hearted again to found out that we wont be able to ride the hot air balloon. The weather is a bit off these couple of days. I was truly heartbroken and we move to our journey to Ankara, the capital city of Turkey and Bolu.

I mentioned in my previous blog post that the journey took 8 hours. I slept the whole freaking way. But, this part of the journey showed the beautiful countryside of Turkey. It reminds me of Switzerland. It is green and beautiful. At one spot, Mr Ouz stopped the bus so that we can took a picture in the midst of Cherry trees with the snow-capped Sultan Mountain at the back. It was truly truly beautiful. I can easily fool myself that I am at Mount Fuji.

Beautiful.

We arrived in Konya where we visit the Mevlana Museum. This is the place where is is famous for Sufi. Here, it showcase how a Sufi is educated and how their day-to-day lives. Sufi was deemed as a person who chose to live in a simple manner. They are devoted fully to seek Allah's blessing by doing Dervish dance.They are distinguished by their robes and special sufi tarbush. The museum also locates the tomb of Mevlana himself and the box that allegedly contained Prophet Muhammad PBUH beard. Amazing enough, his beard smell so good. You can smell it from the small holes but you cannot see the beard.

Mevlana Place

Supposedly contains the Prophet's beard

We then went to the First Rest Stop in the world. This place is called Kervansaray. This hosts merchants and travelers who used the Silk road. The complex includes mosques, hotels, restaurants. From everything I noticed, all the historical sites are very well preserved. I enter what they called a hotel room. It is cold. The temperature inside is colder maybe due to the construction material.

Ancient R&R complex on the Silk Road

Our last agenda was to see the Derwish dance. We are lucky because this show is included in the package price. We can see people around the world are coming to see the Dervish show. The rules are that you kept quiet during the entire show and no photography are allowed during the first half. this is due to the fact that they "did not perform on the first act but they are reciting prayers". We are allowed to take photo/video during the second act though.

One of Turkish delicacies - yougurt with Poppy Seed

Aku pun pelik sebab dia punya pusing, yang kitorang yang tengok ni pun pening. Pelik betul lah.

We then continue our 3 hours journey to Urgup, Cappadocia. We reached Cappadocia around 8-9 pm. Sadly, we could not see the infamous caverns. The only thing I can see is the lights from the Cavern Hotel. We stayed at Perissia Hotel for 2 nights. We shall continue on the next entry.

We arrived at the beautiful Le Bleu Hotel. Our hotel faces the Aegean Sea. hah, macam mana boleh sampai sini? How? What? Yes, we travel to the edge of Turkey that faces Greece, separated by the Aegean sea. the room is modern and we got to witness the Segean sea sunset upon entering our room. So beautiful. As usual, we had our dinner at the hotel.

Beautiful scenery

Swiss like?

In the morning, I explored the hotel ground a little bit before we moved to another place again. This morning, we are going Leather hunting. Yes, Turkey is famous for it's leather goods. So, our group went to a leather house where we are invited to a personal fashion show. The models are really good looking.

Sunset overlooking Greece

Very modern room

Sunset

The beautiful Aegean Sea

Suddenly, one female model grab my hand to the backstage! I am living in my fantasy of walking on the runway! A model! Waaah! I modeled a suede poncho to the audience. malu weh tapi ni jela time nak jalan catwalk. We were then ushered to the store where there are leather jackets everywhere. The point is, these leather goods are exported to some big fashion houses such as Burberry, Chanel, Dior. Price range? From expensive to crazy high end. I was hooked on an orange lamb skin jacket which is light and can be double wear. the price almost choked me - 2400 USD. You heard?

I then went to the sale items department. I tried on several jackets from short to mid to long length coat. It is beautiful. The price ranges from 300 USD to 1200 USD. Suddenly, my mom said to me that she would like to buy me a leather jacket. *SHOCKED*.

I tried on a few and I settled with a mid length, classic button lamb skin jacket in Red. Yes, RED. It costs USD600. Nangis kejap. My parents pay for it and I ran out of the store. All aunties and uncles tease me for my new jacket, saying they are sooo jealous.

The Red leather jacket I bought - lamb skin.

TIP: You can buy cheap leather jacket at Bursa, next to the Grand Mosque. Also some are available at the Grand Bazaar. Costs USD130 and above.

We then went to a historical city of Ephesus, which is an ancient Roman city. The Turkish excavates the sites and the reassemble the ruins using computer simulation. The most famous site is the Library of Celsus and the Odeon theatre. The compound are big. The Odeon reminds me of typical Roman theatre such as the Colliseo.

The star of the day - Library of Celsus

It was quite warm here. We got to thee the ancient Roman WC and a rumoured brothel site. We then exited the ancient city for some snacks and souvenirs. We ventured to the next place, which is Pamukkale, the home of Travertine terrace and Hieropolis.

This is a UNESCO site. To get to the hot spring, we went through some ruins. Okay, on first glance, people will think this is ice. But it is not! It is Calcium Carbonate combined with carbon dioxide that made the spring appears white - like ice! Okay, the spring is slippery, so all my dreams of going down the level is vanished. I only went to the top tier.

Pamukkale

The rocks are very slippery

We then walked to a place called Cleopatra Pool, legend says if you took a dip, you'll be youthful. Yeke ni?

Cleopatra's Pool

After having Turkish ice-cream (I couldn't remember how many I ate), we checked in to our hotel in Pamukkale called Tripolis Hotel. My room is in the attic. See pictures. Being tall, this is definitely a no-no. I bumped my head everytime. Dinner at the hotel was okay, for breakfast I made my very own scramble egg toast.

Our Attic

I can see Pamukkale spring from here.

Tomorrow, we will be on 8 hours bus ride to Cappadocia via Konya.

Date: 15th April to 23rd April 2015
Duration: 9 days
Type: Tour Group
Airline: Malaysia Airlines
Cities: Istanbul, Bursa, Kusadassi, Pamukkale, Konya, Cappadocia, Ankara, Bolu.


April is a special month for us -it's my parents' anniversary. At first, I thought of not joining this trip since my annual leave is almost gone. I just accepted a new job offer, which means my current annual leave will be prorated.

Finally, I decided to go to Turkey since it is one of the destination in my list. The total costs for the 9 days trip blew my mind. Its costs ONLY RM4500 per pax! This costs cover airline fares, hotels, transport, tickets and full meal.

Our MAS flight was scheduled to be 11.30 p.m that departed on 12.am. This is a non-stop flight to Atartuk Airport in Istanbul. Overall, the MH hospitality is good but I am quite disappointed with the inflight meals. Flight was smooth with little turbulence.

Once arrived, we proceed to the Immigration counter which took a huge chunk from our time. I was held at the counter for 10 minutes, with the Immigration officer doing a live background check via phone call. I do not know why, the only reason I can came up is because of the illegal migration to the country next to Turkey.

Collect our bags, freshen up a bit and we were ushered to our bus. And I am yet impressed! Our bus is a VVIP bus - reclining 1-2 seats with screens full of entertainment and complimentary WiFi! We met our Turkish tour guide, Mr. Ouz.

The Blue Mosque Courtyard

First place of visit is the famous Sultanahmet Mosque or Blue Mosque a.k.a Masjid Biru. When we first got here, everyone was going nuts for the tulips, including myself. Many thought Netherlands was the native country of tulips but it is not. Tulips actually originated from Turkey. Tulip was derived from an Arabic to Turkish word which equally mean serban.

Interior of Blue Mosque

Blue mosque was famous for it's beautiful hand-made blue tiles. The mosque itself is huge and the interior is just beautiful. The lamps are hanged from the ceiling had gold interims. We exited the mosque and walk through the courtyard to another historic place called Topkapi Palace. We passed by the infamous Hagia Sophia (Im a bit sad we didn't enter though). The weather is quite cold since it is end of Winter and beginning of Spring.

Before the First Courtyard Entrance

YES!

YES!

We enter the Topkapi Palace through the First Courtyard which is filled with blooming beautiful Spring flowers. There are several complex in the palace compound. We then enter the Middle Gate or Bab-As-Salam where ticket are inspected and there are security screenings. One of the artifacts is the palm-size Ruby and Prophet Muhammad PBUH artifacts.

Ibu and Ayah

At the end of the Topkapi Palace

Middle Gate

We walked out and I bought some chestnut from the small stall outside of the palace. We had our first lunch in Turkey near the compound. We ate a kebab set. My mom bought a snow cap for my dad which costs 5 Lira since he's freezing.


Nasi dekat Turki ni bukan nasi. Dia macam pulut. Tapi I bedal je. Kucing kat sini, mak oi gemuknya. Anjing opun gemuk jugak.


Next, we venture to cross over the Marmara Sea to our next destination which is Bursa. We rode a vehicle ferry to Bursa. One of the activity is having loads of Turkish coffee and feeding seagulls. I got to feed the seagulls all the way to Bursa. The coldness? Yeah it is worst that Europe.

Seagulls

The ferry

People selling chestnut

I, of course sleep the whole way to Bursa. We reached Bursa when it's getting dark. Mr Ouz actually has a Masters in history. He is so informative! macam masuk crash course kelas Sejarah Turki masa dalam bas. We stayed at Tiara Thermal Hotel which is quite nice. I accompanied my parents to go out that night to have a relaxing stroll. And I, chase a fat cat as usual. Dinner was provided at the hotel, same goes for breakfast.

Spring is here

Some scenery

Our hotel room.

We check out from the room and off we go to the Grand Mosque of Bursa or Ulu Cami. C was pronounced as J. Kira masjid jamek la ni. Inside, there is this beautiful fountain for us to take ablutions. My parents performed a salah there. There is a natural lighting above the fountain. It is just gorgeous. The fountain water is cold as ice.

Ulu Cami

Outside the Silk Bazaar

The fountain

Next we venture to the Silk Bazaar! Turkey is famous for this especially their scarves. I splurged here where I bought 4 pashmina. One thing unique is everytime you went to a store, the owner always get you a Turkish tea-complimentary of course. There's a choice between apple or pomegranate.


Selesai sudah sesi melontar pertama. We moved to Yesil Cami or known as the Green Mosque. The most distinguish feature is the mihrab, which is the place where the Imam lead the prayers. It is beautiful and gorgeous. It is blue and turquoise (hence green). We are lucky that mr Ouz knows the Imam and he let us in to the mihrab! It was prohibited area. The Imam then recites surah Al-Mulk, all of us are mesmerized by his voice and how happy he is to see us.

The nice and kind Imam and the beautiful mihrab.

Quick fact about Green Mosque: The floors are brick laid to provide heat during winter. The exterior of the mosque does not finish completely. You can see some carvings are done mid-way.


We then ventured to the 6 hours journey to Kusadassi... see next part.