18/06/2026
Yesterday was a complete assault on the senses 🇹🇷✨
I started the morning with the ultimate reset: a traditional Turkish hammam. Laying on the heated marble, getting an intense scrub down, and being completely buried under a mountain of warm, silky soap bubbles was the perfect way to recharge.
From there, I dove straight into the beautiful chaos of the Grand Bazaar. It is mind-blowing to think this place spans over 60 vibrant streets! The glow of thousands of shimmering mosaic lanterns, the rich smells of fresh Turkish coffee and exotic spices like saffron and mint filling the air. Down here, haggling and bartering isn’t just shopping, it’s a way of life. You sit, you have a laugh, you share a warm glass of apple tea, and you play the game. It was very busy and the shops did get very samey after a while, but never the less needs to be a visit.
After soaking up the buzzing, modern energy of Taksim Square, I hopped on the funicular to glide down the steep hill right to the waterfront. Was hoping it was an outside one and id get a lovely photo but no, its an underground one.
Standing at the edge of the Bosphorus, Looking right across the sparkling blue water, you can clearly see the bustling Asian side of the city stretching. That was today visit. The water is absolutely alive with an incredible amount of boats—everything from massive cargo ships to the iconic public ferries crisscrossing between two different continents. 🚢
My feet are exhausted,What a city. Where East truly meets West! ❤️
Wanderlust
