Merhaba! from Istanbul - Day 1

Got up super early this morning, 4.50am! just to get to the airport on time. Some partial strikes were still ongoing so i wasn't sure how much time i'd need, so decided to be on the safe side. Since i was worrying about that, i didn't get much sleep. In fact, i woke up at about 3.50am and then went back to sleep. haha.

So i did get to the airport in time, and tried to sleep on the plane but not much. The food on Singapore airlines is definitely a lot better than Turkish airlines haha. But they gave this for snacks.

I didn't know hazelnuts came from Turkey. I'm not a fan of nuts so this packet is still sitting in my bag, stowed away for desperate times and when i have no other food options.

Was picked up at the airport by the hostel...

Arrived at the hostel and met some Australian girls in my dorm and so we went for a Turkish bath together, which was interesting. Got exfoliated, scrubbed, bubble-bathed, and massaged. I felt like i was in a car wash during the bubble bath! These women are strong! The massage was quite painful cos she used so much pressure. But it was an experience, though i think i should have gone to the other one instead of this one recommended by the hostel. It smelt a bit funny, and the other one looked so pretty in the pictures! Maybe i might go again...hmmm...

Anyway, we got a bit lost on our way back from the bath cos the hostel provided us transport there but not back! Well, it was good fun exploring another part of Istanbul. We did eventually get back but decided to eat somewhere nearby. It's a pretty little cafe/restaurant!

love the light and carpet deco

I'm thinking of buying one of those, but bringing back might be a problem...

Iced lattte

Iskender! soooo gooood!

Free turkish apple tea!

I am really exhausted. Survived the day on less than 4 hours of sleep. It's going to be a day of shopping tomorrow. The Grand Bazaar and across the bridge to Taksim. Can't wait! (:

bisous!