No plan today, just looking forward for the Partners meeting @ Raddisson Blu. Shall be moving to the venue hotel in a bit. Yesterday was quite an adventurous day. My 6th day thus a bit more familiar and have the sense of direction. Met three Germans looking at maps in front of the hotel. Offered help to show the way to Tokapi Castle complex. I was on the way to Grand Bazaar and after that to Blue mosque. They gladly followed, introduced myself and get to know George and Erick. Passed by the University of Istanbul before parted ways at the Grand Bazaar. Didn't find anything except to change some USD to TL. Then walked to SultanAhmed mosque. Great feeling to be able to perform a Friday prayer here. Been admiring the Blue Mosque and wondered when will i have the chance to pray in it. Syukran.
Walked all the way to Blue Mosque around 11.00 – 20 min walk, in cold is unfamiliarly long. Entered the mosque at 11.45 full of tourists, stopped by a guide that the mosque is closing from visitors as its time for Friday prayer, but told I’m going for prayer...and he apologizes. A long Friday prayers, with usrah, quran recital, khutbah and long sunat prayers after...In front line and could not get out as most Turks still praying something like 10 – 14 rakaat sunat at the back rows. Got out at 2.15pm, took some photos too.Cross over to St Sofia to buy Hop On/Off City tour...40TL at 2.30pm, hopped off @ Taksim, hopped on back @3.30pm last bus back to St Sofia....Bought something for the girls. Saw some Malay faces in the crowd at St Sofia.
Cold day sitting on top of double decker, earphone on to listen to the guide stories. The tour passed by most that we’ve covered but also drive thru some especially the 25km city wall. The guide is more informative.Stopped @ McD for some takeaways (my lunch and dinner)...and walked back to hotel almost 6.00pm. Flat!
Today its raining @ 10’C and expect to rain the whole coming days with temp around 6 – 7’C. Turkiye has a lot to offer. Perhaps i can come back with Norli, god permits.
Celal Aga Konagi
Istanbul Old City
