'Istanbul?!?
Over a day!
Are you two crazy?'
My boss was really surprised when my colleague and I gave in an invitation for a really important meeting.
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My job is related to chemical safety and dangerous chemicals.
Though I have a degree in pharmacy.
And now I am heading towards environment protection.
Hip and in place to be, they all say.
Among other things, my job is to recognize all the dangers of the produced, stored and used chemicals, check if the labels are Ok and come up with procedures that would lead to safe use of chemicals (by industry and general public).
So this meeting held by ECHA in Istanbul was really important to us.
We just HAD to go.
'So what' I said.
'We will not be absent long'.
And it gives us a chance to get attention and eyes on us.
Solve some burning issues.
That morning of February 2014 when we started packing I thought of Snatch.
When there is a crap to be solved, Dennis Farina sips a shot, steps on a Concorde and flies to London for a day.
Well this trip of ours was nothing like that.
We flew by Turkish airlines.
Perfect.
When compared to my other flights.
I always fly economy class, and being tall makes it sometimes rather uncomfortable.
And I always get really hungry when flying.
And when I am hungry I am not the most pleasant character.
Turkish Airlines respect that.
They give you several pillows, headset.
Some food to ease the flight.
Nice.
Ataturk.
I do not like airports settled by the water.
I know it does not matter much if you crash on water or land, but still - I prefer solid ground.
Short procedure at the customs.
Showed my passport and they widely spread their arms in a big hug.
'Welcome. Neighbour.'
'Shoot!' I thought.
And I looked around seeing all those British and American citizens awaiting for passport control and visa check and I thought
'Shove it! Finally no ques for me!'
We stepped outside and it was raining.
Of course.
But both my colleague and me are not made of sugar so we did not mind the rain.
We caught a taxi at the airport.
17 EUR I remember.
And they give you a receipt without you asking for it.
Kind.
We managed to get a short glimpse of the Valens Aqueduct.
And our hotel was the only hotel in the pedestrian zone, Istiklal Avenue.
I got a room with three beds.
Too bad I was not staying over for three nights - I could sleep on all three like Goldilocks :).
Old tram had a stop just outside the hotel which was great.
But we did not use it.
Both my colleague and I are freaks when it comes to walking or exploring new cities.
Since the meeting took all day we explored Istanbul over night.
And we did not mind that.
Some people would call it crazy.
Two women,
in big city in Turkey.
Strolling around the old town.
Come on people!
Such homophobic behavior is not EU acceptable ;).
Istanbul is very crowded.
Even at evening and night.
Has this kind of Arabic feeling.
Similar to Cairo (only Cairo being bigger, dirtier, overcrowded and too noisy - just the way I like).
Plan your route and mind your own business.
Yes, men do try to get you in the cab or to talk to you on the street but you just ignore them, and mind your own business.
And use the lighted paths.
No narrow streets for me in Istanbul!
It was way too dark.
We walked from the hotel towards the Galata bridge.
Galata bridge is crowded over the evening too.
Fishermen everywhere.
You can buy a fish if you want to (do not worry about the dangerous chemicals in its fat tissue :P).
Under the bridge you have many restaurants and just next to it is a fish market.
Many boats taking you to all parts of Istanbul.
We were on the European side of the city.
Did not manage to see the other side :(.
And we only saw a glimpse of the Bosphorus bridge the day we were leaving.
Did not manage to enter the famous Hagia Sophia and the Sultan Ahmed Mosque (the Blue Mosque), Imperial Harem, Topkapi Palace and Basilica Cistern.
All these were closed when we reached them.
And we missed Cicek Pasaj!
Which does not mean we did not enjoy Istanbul.
We took the map and marked the route.
The walk towards the Galata bridge...
Not much to see except all those souvenir stores, jewelries and fast food spots.
Lots of cats in the shops.
Few old ruined buildings.
Some graffiti.
We stopped by the Galata Tower.
The night lights of Istanbul were amazing.
We caught a train across the Galata bridge..
Goes on time.
Very cheep and clean.
You buy a ticket at the train stop.
First stop Grand Bazaar, of course.
Yes it is crowded and is packed with shops - but there is nothing much interesting there.
Do you know what three words are most read in the world by all nations?
Made in China.
Same here.
Though I do like lamps and carpets, colorful plates, handmade jewelry.
Food on display everywhere.
Just outside,
within a short walking distance you reach the Hippodrome and the famous mosques.
And the Basilica Cistern is near.
But all were closed.
Though we did see The Obelisk of Theodosius.
On our way back we combined the train and funicular.
Ended up at Taksim.
It was packed with Galatasaray supporters and police.
Since I do not follow football, did not pay much attention.
There were many funny looking supporters.
Apparently the game was over.
Galatasaray vs Chelsea 1:1.
I recall I have received a txt from home about some kind of incident on the streets regarding that match.
I can not remember now what it was...
Whatever, never mind.
Short walk down the Istiklal Avenue.
Shops, restaurants, cafes.
Ended up in a nice restaurant just across our hotel.
Food was great.
And we were dead tired.
In the morning we sipped coffee to go, fast breakfast than hit the street for a short walk.
All in all,
the meeting was good and we managed to explore the city (kind of) in one evening.
I wish sometimes that there will come the day when I will take all the advantages of these nice hotels I stay in on my business trips - get some rest, spa, enjoying slow dinner.
No.
I know.
That will never happen :).
If there is next time in Istanbul,
and it is over one day,
I will travel like this.
Though it would be wise to try on a bike at home first...
Time to take off people!
So long Istanbul!
Kiss.Kiss.
...........
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