Day 5 Georgie and Georgia

What an awesome day! We had our first breakfast at the Golden Horn Hotel Restaurant, and were gobsmacked by the spectacular view from the seventh floor. We began our 8 kilometre long adventure at 8:30 in the morning, with a walk to the Topkapi Palace. Here we walked through the grounds where royalty once reigned, and visited the onsite museums containing gold plated weaponry, exquisite jewellery and ancient crockery. In these museums we also walked over burials of ancient Greeks. In Hakan's explanation  of the sultan's coronation, Jordan was chosen to be the prince, and stood where the prince would have stood. On the palace's balcony, we saw the divide between the Asian and European sides of Turkey. We also witnessed the divide of generations as Mr Dent took his first selfie. As we exited the gates of Hospitality, Happiness and Welcome and entered the impressive grounds of the Blue Mosque. 

On these religious grounds the female members of the tour were asked to cover their hair with a headscarf and we were all asked to take off our shoes. Inside we learnt about the religious practices of the Turkish people and a small amount about the architecture of one of the largest mosques in Turkey. The namesake of the mosque becomes obvious once we saw how many blue tiles were inside. We both then stepped into the women's prayer section of the mosque, as they are segregated from the men and are instructed to pray behind them. 

We then ventured through the Hippodrome to the Grand Bazaar which upon arrival did not appear to be so grand, however once stepping through the first gate, we were blown away by the astounding size of it and the vast amount of people. TCuz's (Mrs Curran) group began in the jewellery section, where we employed our limited knowledge of bartering, however as we fought for the price, many fought for the heart of Ms Bottega and Georgie. With one shopkeeper asking how many camels for Justine, and one asking Georgie to be his girlfriend. After many purchases, the groups rehuddled and we made a quick stop over at the hotel to drop off the goodies and then we made our way to the spice market. 

At the spice markets we were separated into our groups of 3 and found our own way around the magnificently scented halls, searching for what we wanted but did not need (as one shopkeeper said). Other catchy one liners included "My store has everything but customers." As well as the much simpler "Aussie! Aussie! Aussie!" To which we replied "Oi! Oi! Oi!" This trusty twosome received many compliments, especially from one who said we were Angels. We later discovered this was the case for many tour members, including the boys, except for Jarrod who was said to be "Well fed". 

Dinner was a simple set menu at a local restaurant chosen by Mr Heptinstall and Mr Blackmore as a apart of our My Restaurant Rules Competition. They received 29, making it equal with Mrs Turley's and Mrs Salmeri's Chinese Restaurant. Who will win? Find out next week...

with Georgie and Georgia!