Back in my hotel I'd fallen asleep for about two hours as I'd been up early the last two days. It was now after 3pm and I wanted to go out and do something even though most places are shut. I didn't come all the way to Istanbul after so many years just to sit in my hotel on a holiday

I wanted to eat but instead of donars for 2TL outside my hotel I remember seeing fish donars on a travel show so wanted to try that. I also wanted to find out the boat times and prices to Prince's Islands for a day trip



















I found a fish donar place and gave him 2TL before he demanded 5TL. Was I being ripped off again? I tried asking about the boat to Prince's Island. Some people said to go further down, some said to goto another part of town.

I decided to walk across the Galata bridge to the other side and worry about the ferry later. I still had two whole days and things should start getting back to normal tomorrow



Along the bridge were more fish donar venders with 5TL posted so I did pay the right price. However there were many fancy fish restaurants charging 20-30TL which is what the bus terminal had charged me for one small dish worth 4TL

On the other side I visited the Tunel tram which is an underground funicular built in the 19th century. I didn't want to take it or you pass too far beneath the Galata Tower.



















At the Galata Tower there was a massive line snaking. Maybe because it was a holiday and the only thing open, maybe for the evening lights and belly dance show. I remember when I came in 2005 I just walked in and nobody was there

Then I went down Istaklal Caddesi the main shopping street. It was packed with a sea of people, again maybe because of the holiday and nothing else open.



Although I walk this street every time I visit there was a Dervish museum I'd never seen before. It was open today and entrance was only 5TL ($2.50)

It had a main hall where performances are held on certain days and a museum. Pictures were not allowed but the guy was out chatting on his cell so why not. They also had tombs and outdoor graves for many of the dervishes.



















I passed by the embassies for Sweden, Russia, Greece, and the Netherlands. This side of Istanbul was made to be more European. There is a tram running down the middle and many young boys were enjoying themselves being silly hanging from the outside 

I passed by a couple of churches along the way too. Some were open, others were not. There was a big Greek Orthodox one I'd like to have seen but it was closed

Then I slowly made my way back to the hotel as it was getting dark and the area I"m in is poorly lit.






















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