As always in second days in cities I find I’m down to a few “must do” things, and then it is just a matter of exploring and seeing what unfolds.   I like to find some places were there are no tourists, and try and find the underneath of a place, rather than just the tourist front cover.   I started the day with a venture inside the Hagia Sophia – it is a pretty impressive building, and a worthwhile opportunity to have the privilege to go see inside.

But afterwards I just kept walking .. for 8 hours.  Finding numerous interesting parts of Istanbul.  Galata Tower provides an elevated viewpoint to be able to see the city, but actually the best view was at sunset on the bridge, and that was free.  The best things are often free.  I managed to find myself a football stadium of course; with a trip to Besiktas.

All the meals I have had here in Istanbul have been excellent.  Lunch today was by the waterside at a fish sandwich place.  Basically the fish is caught, filleted, cooked and served, but I don’t think there is much of a gap between those four stages.  As you would expect it was really nice.  One perfect giveaway about this place was the dozens of locals waiting to get served; always confirms a great food place !

It’s good to travel via different modes of transport with trains, cars, planes, buses and two feet.  Planes are necessary, but from experience I have found that two feet are usually the best way to see any place.  I came to new countries on this trip as I always like to do, but I could not be happier exploring this part of Europe.  Lots of different adventures, foods and beers.  I’ve never used the Trip Advisor website quite as much as I have done this time – it is a brilliant site that provides endless great information for any traveller.  Back home tomorrow after half a day in Istanbul.  Hopefully I will be able to head out and buy a memento or two of a reminder of another delightful place.