Our tour had finished in Istanbul and we had a few days to spend. Susan and her boyfriend, Warwick, had arrived from London during the night and would only wake later in the morning. I headed out of the hotel early before breakfast. Out in the street, recyclers were busy reclaiming recycled trash. This is an important source of income to these folks, who are mainly refugees from other countries outside Turkey.
Trash Recyclers, Istanbul
Nearby streets are empty, after late night revelers had filled the streets.
Empty Street, Istanbul
I headed down to the Eminonü waterfront. Several fishermen were draped over the railing, attempting an early morning catch.
Early Morning Fishermen, Eminonu Waterfront, Istanbul
I watched as this guy caught a fish. He was very pleased with the catch that he made a photograph with his smartphone. Perhaps it was his first catch?
Photographing My Catch, Istanbul
It was time to return to the hotel for breakfast. After a couple of hours, Susan had surfaced; she had arrived at 2am in the morning after a delayed flight. All four of us loaded into a taxi and headed to a rental house in the Balat area of Istanbul.
After unpacking and meeting the landlord, Peter, we headed to the Basilica Cistern. All of us had read Dan Brown’s book “Inferno”, also made into a movie. The final location for the book was set in this cistern. This cistern was built during Roman times under the city, and is one of many cisterns below the city.
Basilica Cistern, Istanbul
One of the pillars supporting the roof of the cistern is built on a Medusa head. The base of this pillar has two heads, one on its side (pictured below), and one upside down. These Medusa heads supposedly ward off evil.
Basilica Cistern Medusa Head, Istanbul
Later, we headed across to the cafe near the Blue Mosque (avoiding the carpet salesmen), where Warwick wanted to smoke a Hookah (or Shisha). Angela also decided to try it out.
Angela With Hookah, Istanbul
Here is Warwick.
Warwick With Hookah, Istanbul
And Susan too!
Susan With Hookah, Istanbul
Our landlord had recommended that we head up to the rooftop of the Pera Palace Hotel for sunset. Here there is a great view of the city of Istanbul that we enjoyed with a sun-downer. In this image, we look down on the Galata tower, foreground left. The Blue Mosque, with its six minarets, can be seen in the background on the left. In the distance is the sea of Marmara.
Sunset View From Pera Palace Hotel, Beyoglu, No 1
Panning to the right is a view looking down to the Haliç Metro bridge. The Metro railway crosses the Haliç (Golden Horn) over this bridge. There is also a station located in the middle of this bridge.
Sunset View From Pera Palace Hotel, Beyoglu, No 2
As the sun set over the horizon, I made this image of the skyline with pink/purple skies.
Sun Setting Over Istanbul
In the opposite direction, the lights of Bosphorus bridge had switched on. The Bosphorus separates the European side of the city from the Asian side of the city.
Bosphorus Bridge After Sunset, Istanbul
It was time for us to find dinner. I made this image of the bar lights with the skyline at blue hour.
Bar Lights, Istanbul
Enjoy.