Pissouri Fun Rally

On a beautiful Summer's day we left the Pissouri car park for the Annual Car rally. Our team, "The Virgin Dragons and Lions" , was made up of your blog hosts along with Terry and Marilyn. Twenty one cars began the course  which took us from Pissouri  and up through the various villages that are situated between the coast and the Troodos Mountains.

We ended up in the picnic area Trooditissa, close to Troodos for a drink and a lovely BBQ in a shaded glade.

The Red Arrows in Cyprus

The famous Red Arrows display team are in Cyprus training over Akrotiri bay and we can watch them from our rear patio.

Gulhane park

On our final morning we took a stroll around Gulhane park which lies next door to the famous Topkapi museum. The grounds are well kept, peaceful and have some interesting statues.

Once inside, you’re greeted by tree-lined pathways. Towering plane trees—many centuries old—form a canopy of shade, especially pleasant during Istanbul’s hot summers. These trees were once planted by the Ottomans, and their grandeur sets the tone for the park's majestic feel.

The paths wind through flower gardens and around gentle slopes. In spring, the park becomes a kaleidoscope of colors due to the blooming tulips, which are a symbol of Istanbul. The scent of flowers fills the air, creating a calm and inviting atmosphere.

All to soon our visit to Istanbul came to an end, it had been a hugely enjoyable visit and we must say a huge Thank you to our fellow travellers, Bryan and Sheena.

On our visit to Istanbul we saw a vast amount and had some great laughs along the way.

Taksim square and the spice market

The next day we hopped on the tram and the New modern Funicular and made a visit to Taksim square, the large square incorporates a statue commemorating the founding of the Republic of Turkey. 

Taksim Square, located in the heart of Istanbul, Turkey, is a bustling urban hub known for its vibrant energy, historical significance, and cultural diversity. The square itself is a vast, open space surrounded by modern architecture, but it is also deeply rooted in Turkish history, serving as a symbolic and political focal point.

The main shopping street runs off the square,Istiklal Street, the famous pedestrian avenue that branches off from the square. This lively, 1.4-kilometer street is lined with 19th-century buildings that house boutiques, cafes, art galleries, nightclubs, and some of the city’s most renowned restaurants. The street is a mix of old-world charm and modern life, with its cobblestone pathways and the occasional sight of the historic red trams that slowly glide up and down.

 

We then retuned to the Bosphurus ferry area and wandered around the Old spice bazaar. The Spice Bazaar is located in the Eminönü district, right next to the iconic New Mosque (Yeni Cami) and within walking distance to the waterfront where the Golden Horn meets the Bosphorus. 

The Spice Bazaar itself, built in 1660, is an architectural masterpiece. The building features Ottoman Baroque design elements, with its domed ceiling and spacious interior corridors lined with shops. The intricate tilework, arches, and decorative motifs give the bazaar a historic and almost mystical atmosphere. The interior is slightly dim, adding to the exotic feel of the place.

The Blue mosque and The Grand Bazaar

The next morning started with a gentle stroll around the square
that is next to the Famous Blue Mosque,the early morning is the best time to visit before it becomes crowded with the tourist buses.

The area around the Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque) in Istanbul is a rich tapestry of history, culture, and architecture. Located in the heart of Sultanahmet Square, the mosque stands majestically with its striking six minarets and large central dome, which dominates the skyline. The mosque’s elegant blue-tiled interior gives it its popular name, and the courtyard is spacious, offering a serene atmosphere despite the bustle of the area.

There is a lot to see in this area so plan to stay there for several hours.

We we walked up to the Grand Bazaar which has over 5,000 shops and is said to have opened in 1461. All prices have to be haggled over, so keep a smile on your face, have some fun with the shop keepers and get yourself a bargain.

Visiting the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul is like stepping into a vibrant, centuries-old labyrinth where the air hums with activity and the scent of spices, leather, and incense blend into an intoxicating mix. As you approach the entrance, the hustle and bustle of the surrounding streets start to fade, replaced by a unique, almost timeless atmosphere.

 In the Evening we walked into the Old town for dinner.

A cruise on the Bosphurus and Sheena's Birthday

On a beautiful Spring day we boarde the state run ferry for a trip up the Bosphurus to the mouth of the Black sea. The first thing we noticed was the amount of marine traffic on the Bosphurus, everything from huge cruise liners to small boats with a single fisherman.















Once we left the Galata bridge berth on the goldern horn we turned into the Bosphurus, the banks are a superb mixture of buildings mixing old with modern. The ferry makes several stop as it weaves in and out of traffic and passing some huge merchant ships.

Our final destination was the small fishing village of Anadolu Kavagi.
We made our way up to the ruins of fort Yoros, the remains are not much to see but the views from the top of the cliff towards the Black sea are breathtaking. From this view point you can also see the construction of the Yavus Sultan Selim suspension bridge.

Back in Istanbul we made our way over to The Kybele restaurant to celebrate Sheena's birthday. The Kybele is decorated in a unique style with 100's of lamps covering the ceiling and antiques aplenty. The food is superb and the staff are very welcoming. 

A trip to Istanbul, Turkey

Along with our friends, Sheena and Bryan, we decided to take a short break to the Turkish city of Istanbul. We drove from Pissouri and crossed the border into Northern Cyprus and headed to Ercan airport, from Ercan it is a 1 hour 15 min flight to Istanbul.

Our base in Istanbul was the Artefus hotel which is sitiated in the heart of the Old town. The streets of the city were very busy on the afternoon we arrived with hundreds of people setting up BBQ along the waterfront. The view from the hotel terrace took in views of the harbour and The Blue mosque.

In the evening we went to a local fish restaurant and ate on their terrace overlooking the sea. After dinner we went to a traditional coffee shop and tried to learn the rules of a table game that uses tiles.