This morning was a bit of a later start. I was down at breakfast around 8:30 and hung out there until around 10 somehow. The others trickled in and we all got to talking. April had dates and cookies left over that she added to the breakfast table.
Andy and I eventually made our way out of the hotel and to the Topkapi Palace about 15 minutes walk away. It was a holiday Monday (day after Ramadan) and so it turned out the palace wasn't open until 1pm. I had my appointment at the baths at 3 so that didn't work for me. Instead of going in we walked around the park outside of the palace. It was a beautiful park with nice big trees and a little fountain area. The landscaping was well done. It was another hot day out (felt like 40 degrees) so we were sweating!
Once we had explored the park we decided to walk towards the water front in hopes of a breeze. Over by where we caught the boat yesterday we decided to spur of the moment catch the ferry boat over it the Asia side of Istanbul. It was only a 20 minute ferry ride to the other side. Over there we walked a bit along the water and then found our way into an area with shops, cafés, and fruit and veggie stalls. We found the apple tea that tastes so yummy and got a set with the cute little glasses they drink tea from. I also got some nuts to keep me going and then off we went to catch the ferry back.
We got back shortly after 1 and walked through the grand bazaar and spice market area. Unfortunately, they were both closed due to it being a holiday. It was weird seeing the streets like a ghost town after seeing how busy and packed they were before. On the way back to the hotel I stopped and got some traditional ice cream (made with sheeps milk).
Moya and Greg were leaving just after 2 so I made sure to be down in the lobby to say goodbye. Yet another goodbye! No fun. I had my appointment at the hamam or traditional bath at 3 so I walked down right after.
The bath was so nice. I got my own little changing room and changed into a wrap dress thing. From there I was led to the steam room. They told me to sit in there and relax. I didn't realize I would be sitting in there for so long. It got very very hot and I had to relax so not to panic and think about how I might pass out haha. I was in there for about 30 minutes probably and then the lady came and took me to another room. The room was still hot, but a little cooler than the other. In there she scrubbed me and washed me and gave me a bit of a massage. To rinse me she threw buckets of water on me - I think she enjoyed that part. Then she washed my hair for me. Next I was led upstairs to the massage area where a different lady gave me a nice long full body massage. It was so relaxing and felt amazing. She also gave me a facial and then led me downstairs where I sat and enjoyed apple tea and a piece of Turkish delight. I felt like a million bucks after. I had definitely sweated out any toxins and was so relaxed. I was the only person there at that time so I had the place to myself - which meant not feeling awkward walking around naked!
I went back to the hotel after that and began packing my bag since I leave tomorrow morning! At 7 I went downstairs to say goodbye to April. The last person to say goodbye too. I had a shower and got ready after that. Andy and I had a beer before going to dinner. We went back to the same area (sort of) that we went for dinner last night. We got offered complimentary apple tea and baklava for dessert. For my meal I had Sultan kebab or something like that - it was minced meat rolls, tomatoes, fries, rice and veggies - really tasty. It was way less busy around the city again with the end of Ramadan and it being a holiday.
Topkapi Palace park:
Funky tree in park:
Market area on Asia side:
View from ferry:
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