Day 78 : 8th August, 2012- Istanbul, Turkey

At 2 a.m. the Greece border came. Our passports were collected and then returned after 20 minutes or so. There is a big shopping mall where duty free shopping can be done.  Our driver and one more person known to him, purchased whisky of hundred of Euros cost.  After 10 minutes of drive Turkish border came. We all got down. I was only one who has to get visa. Bus conductor came with me to a distance cabin where some immigration officers were watching T.V.  One Officer came to the Counter, saw my Indian Passport then asked me if I am Muslim, I said no, then Christian, No, he then suggested Budha, I said no. I am Hindu.  He did not say anything further. He took my passport and filled up a form then asked me to pay USD 20 for  visa fee to the Cash Counter which was on the corner side. There was another person may be a truck driver who was also depositing some money. It took me some time before I got my receipt and then rushed to the first cabin to collect my passport. Bus conductor had also come as all others were cleared and bus was waiting for me. My passport was ready with 30 days visa stamp and now I had to go to another cabin where all bus passengers were cleared to get entry stamp and ran to the Bus. It will take 4-5 hrs to reach Istanbul. I slept  for some time. Bus again stopped at 4.15 a.m. for refreshments. Finally we reached Istanbul Bus Station and our Bus entered it and then went to the back where the office of the same travel agency is there. All passengers got down and through the office went to other side for exit. I found a place to sit in the office and kept my packsack in the luggage room in a corner of the agency office. Then I heard that a mini bus is going. On inquiry I found this bus is going to city center Aksaray and is free. I rushed to the Bus and was there in time to catch it. Mini Bus stopped after 20 minutes drive to its last destination. I got down and thought of searching a hotel. First I went to a nearby hotel and it was full for next 3 days. Receptionist could give me a room for 150 Euro a day. I walked out and saw sea water at a distance and after going down the lane. After seeing 2-3 hotels, I found one hotel Malbadi Beyazit where receptionist agreed to give a small room for USD 30 with breakfast. He offered breakfast today also. I used Reception bathroom and then went to 7th floor for my breakfast. It is a buffet breakfast and quite a large variety of items were there. After the breakfast, I came down to the reception and had a nap till the receptionist came to me and said my room is ready. It is 403 on 4th Floor. Room is single small bed but with facilities like fridge, TV, Phone and ensuite bathroom. T.V. was not functioning and the receptionist and one other person came and tried but could not repair it. They said someone will come from the T.V. Company. I went to sleep. AC is working well. Finally I got up at 1.30 p.m. After a while took shower and then got ready. I will now go up to the main street, change some money and then walk to the Blue mosque. I remember, I know this area.

It is 3 p.m.   I met the manager who assured me that T.V. machine will be replaced.  I went out to the main road which is a bit of climb. Then I walked towards the Blue mosque. I remember the direction from my previous visits to Istanbul. All the tourists to Istanbul must visit this mosque also known as Mahewet mosque. It is a good walk. Both sides are shops, restaurants and in the middle is tramway.  Both sides tram go frequently. I met two young boys in blue shirt. They are Engineering Students and work here as volunteers to help the tourist. Later I met high school girls also doing the same job. Blue mosque again in a crowded place where worshippers are less and tourist are more. There is separate entrance for tourists. Those women who have exposed hands and legs and also men are given a cloth to wrap themselves. Shoes are taken out and kept in a plastic Bag and carried along. I walked to other side. Restaurants tend to become expensive near the blue mosque. I sat in a restaurant and asked mushroom curry and rice and a glass of draught beer for 22.5 lira or USD 13.  Yes before coming to the mosque side, I exchanged USD 20 only for 35 Lira. I decided to walk back to the Hotel and exchanged another Euro 15 @ 2.19 Lira. I think I have enough money till tomorrow when I go to the airport.  T.V. is fixed and I went to my room. But after a few minutes AC started leaking water in a big way. I called the Receptionist who came after 10 minutes. He could not do anything except to switch off the A.C. and will call a technician. I doubt if anyone will come.  At 8.30 p.m. I came out. Weather is cool and I walked down towards the seaside. Many Restaurants have come up covering half of the road or wherever they find place. I sat in a typical small restaurant with small stool to sit and asked for black tea for 1 lira. It is good.  I am writing this while sitting there. I should move ahead to the sea water side.

There are a number of restaurants like food court each specializing in sea food particularly fish of many kinds and expensive are from 10 Lira to 20 Lira. Many of tourist groups were sitting and 4-5 restaurants were having their own music group playing on each table. The whole area is lighted well. I walked fast and took pictures of a group of musicians. One bearer there told me if you take picture, you have to pay 1 million dollars. I replied if I have this money I will buy one of your Islands and other bearers joined in a hearty laugh.

I ate rice and mushroom at 4 p.m. and now not having any appetite. I walked to the seaside and there are more restaurants. I drank some orange juice from a juice Seller for 5 Lira and then returned back.  The Manager of hotel was going home and he asked me if I had dinner. Then he told his receptionist to send a sandwich and tea to my room. This was brought to me after half an hour.  AC is working alright now. I was watching Tamil T.V. from London. It is coming very clear.