Istanbul

I am taking MrsO to Istanbul at the beginning of next month. Any suggestions of things to see or do?

I supposed to do a gig in Istanbul some two years ago. I chose to go to berlin instead and there was a bombing where I was about to stay. That's all :-)

See this:

[ame]http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chora_Church[/ame]

and that

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Topkapı_Palace

And Haghia Sophia. That's what I'd see.
Go and watch some Palin's episodes on Turkey online.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N3zSAeAziEY

http://www.grandbazaaristanbul.org/Grand_Bazaar_Istanbul.html

Istanbul. Or Constantinople?

Emperor Palpatine or Emperor Constantine the Great?

^^ bizantium!

BTW, Clive, I know the story of taking Mrs O to Istanbul but what it looks to me is that you're just looking for suggestion where to leave her while you are gonna visits the baths, they will fucking love you. They are gonna straight your back like no one did it before. Have fun!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fcI5rNR5TGM&ob=av2e

.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JeQ-wjDH4F4

The Underground Cistern is located near the Hagia Sophia Church in the Sultanahmet district.
The Turks call it "Yerenbatan Sarayi" which means "underground palace". The cistern was built by Justinian in the 6th century.

Watch From Russia With Love for inspiration.

I suggest blowing up the Soviet Embassy, then escaping through the underground reservoir, before boarding the Orient Express to Venice.

Can't remember but find this dude.

Avoid the popular / touristy baths and ask for recommendations. The guidebook recommended ones are certainly architecturally nice with plenty of history, but the ripping off rather grated, not to mention the perfunctory service.

I like a sweaty man giving me a vigorous wash as much as the next man and found getting suggestions from a bloke in the hotel made for a more authentic affair. The bath culture is dying out, and is becoming more the preserve of old guys and tourists, but it is a nice way to spend a couple of hours.

Enjoy.

Take the ferry to the Eastern side, and have Sahlep on the shore of the Bosphorus.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/booksnake/sets/72157615681712579/with/3377389016/

Stay in Beylogu. Wonderful place. Also, watch Nuri Bilge Ceylan's Iklimier and Uzak. Wonderful films...

The bridge (I forget its name but you'll find it) with all the restaurants / bars on it is pretty cool.

Hagia Sophia, though an obvious tourist destination is well well worth going to.

The cats hanging out around Topkapi palace are pretty cool, and the park around the palace is one of relatively few chilled out places in the centre.

Don't miss getting a freshly caught mackerel sandwich from one of the stalls next to the bosphorous.

Sit down and watch the full match before you go. Get in the spirit of things.
I remember going to an underground Roman built reservoir when I was there. Pretty spectacular it was.

Isn't the same one Yasi mentioned?

oh yes so it is.
Well worth. I believe it has featured in a few films too. Inadiana Jones, things like that