Today was our last day in Turkey, and was pretty laid back. We started the day with breakfast from 7am once again looking out on the beautiful view of Istanbul. Our tour guide, Hakan lead the way to the Hagia Sophia. Whilst we waited for our tickets some of us had a conversation with a nice Turkish man, who enjoyed guessing our heritage. He guessed Natalia to be Turkish but soon corrected himself because "She does not have a moustache, like most Turkish girls." We then made our way into the gates of the Museum and were straight away astounded by it's size and magnificence. Initially build around 537AD it had the largest dome in the world for about 1000 years and was a Christian church. In1453 it was converted to a mosque and in 1934 it was made a museum. We learnt that it has the 5th largest dome in the world now, which we were not surprised by because of its enormity. The inside was just as spectacular as the outside, if not better. There were many patterned mosaics commonly including gold tiles and images of Christian themes.
After a short stop to buy souvenirs, we then made our way to the Underground Cisterns, although along the way we stopped at a small art gallery. Inside there was an extremely talented artist who had mastered the skill of marbling using oil paints. He painted us a beautiful picture of two tulips and gave it as a gift to the school. Many of the students took the chance to buy some amazing art with a special student discount.
The Underground Cistern was the next stop, which proved to be quite magnificent. The carvings on the pillars were very detailed, with a good luck hole in one. The idea of the good luck hole is to put your thumb in the hole and turn your hand all the way around in a 360 degree circle. You then make a wish and throw a coin in the water to bring you good luck. Another two of the pillars were carved with Medusa faces. After being very careful to not slip over going up the stairs, we made our way outside.
The group then split up, with half going back to the Grand Bazaar and the other going back to the hotel for a couple hours of rest. Those that stayed at the hotel cleaned their rooms ready for the flight tomorrow and played cards. Those that went to the Bazaar came home, loaded with shopping bags to drop off before we all headed out for lunch.
We went to a restaurant on the Galata Bridge, chosen by our trusty tour guide. There was a variety of food on the menu. Many people went with pizza, and Miss Wellington was surprised with her huge mixed grill. Mr Croft then told us it was an unofficial My Restaurant Rules, and we all gave Hakan a perfect score, giving him a combined score of 50 and leaving him on top.
After lunch we made our way down to the Spice Markets for the second and last time. Many shop owners remembered their "Beautiful Australian" customers and offered a "special Anzac price," which some tour members later called the Anzac deal. On the way out Olivia, Georgia, Georgie, James M, and Kelsey purchased umbrella hats, which proved useful on the walk home with a light sprinkle of rain.
Dinner tonight was selected by Mr Croft, and we dined at The Han Cafe. We sat on the floor on cushions in front of tiny tables, and enjoyed a variety of different meals, including a Testi Kebab which involved a clay pot put in the middle of a burning fire on a plate. The pot included a mixture of meat and vegetables and was opened by the waiter tapping rhythmical on the side. Mrs Turley was encouraged (much to Olivia's disgust) to dance in time with the tapping. Mason was told by the waiter he could not order chicken schnitzel because "You can get it back home!" And was pressured into getting the more expensive casserole. One of our other waiters was getting to know some of us, and asked for our names. After discovering there are two James' on the tour he decided to nickname them "Little James" (James Abbott) and "Four-Eyed James" (James Moulden). Not everyone was happy with the seating arrangements but it was agreed by everyone that the food was amazing! The scores were given in the lobby and it was a total score of 36, officially making Mr Croft number one Restaurant chooser (not counting Hakan)
Before we go we would like to send a massive congratulations to Macca on the safe arrival of his second grand child, Hugo Flynn Crumpler! He received this amazing news whilst we were dining at the Kat 4 restaurant last night! Also a big happy 17th birthday to Emma for yesterday! We hope you enjoyed your busy day of touring, your cheap but thoughtful Grand Bazaar presents and 2 Birthday cakes!!
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