India/Istanbul Trip Day 10: Onto new adventures with an old friend (3/6)

After a few hours of sleep, we all get up around 2am to get our of our rooms, check out and head to the airport. Quick drive as there is hardly anybody on the road (more people than I would have expected at that hour but I guess in a city that big, there is always someone going somewhere). Get to the airport and get checked in and then we go through security and customs with ease. Walk around terminal a little bit and then G and I go into the lounge which has some snacks and some drinks (i have some water and some food before getting into the beer).

Even their airport has beautiful designs/art. 

Our flight starts to board so we head down and get to our seats. I sleep a little at first and then wake when they are bringing the food around. Use that time to have a drink and start watching some movies (watch darkest hour and then Thor Ragnarok). Plan was to meet Stephanie in the terminal when I arrive but I realized there was no way for me to know when her flight would get in, if it was delayed, where it was coming in, etc. So I walk around the terminal for about an hour, hour and half and then think she might have gotten in and is waiting at baggage claim. I get in line and as I am waiting to go through customs, she walks by in the back so I have to get out of line and try and get back into the terminal (extremely surprised no one tried to stop me or anything like that). Get back and get her attention and we then go through customs and make our way to the rail (meeting someone in a foreign country with a loosy goosy plan and without data/phone connection is a recipe for disaster). Get our rail pass and then get on the rail heading into the old town.

Cool looking rail symbol. As we explore the city over the next few days, I come to realize how many minarets poke up through the city's skyline.

Hagia Sofia in all its glory.

Side building of the blue mosque. 

random winding street with a castle wall lining it near the hostel.

Workout area along the castle. Love when cities provide this for their citizens. 

Cool old building as we walked around.

Hagia sofia in the evening after the crowds have dispersed.

View from the hostel roof terrace to the eastern side of Istanbul.

Believe this was the 2nd or 3rd largest mosque. Located far off in the distance on the eastern side.

Different view of the Hagia Sofia from much closer.

Blue Mosque as sun starts going down.

Once we get to the transfer station, rail is packed. Loses power for a little bit but nothing too bad and then we get to the Sultanahmet stop to make our way to our hostel. On the way, we walk by the blue mosque and the Hagia Sofia mosque/museum and take a few pictures as they are spectacular buildings. Use the directions provided by the hostel (Bahaus) to find the place and get checked in; Tugay is such a friendly, helpful host who was easy to talk with - I recommend the hostel for all the reasons, but its strongest strength is definitely the hosts. Have some tea on the roof before taking a walk around the neighborhood to acquaint ourselves before heading back to the hostel for dinner recommendations. Tugay sends us over to Balkan Iokantasi which is this cafeteria type place with all kinds of food behind the glass that you just tell them what you want and on the plate it goes (we tried asking what things were, but there was plenty lost in translation so I just pointed at things that looked good - times like this I am glad I have no food allergies and am not a picky eater). Food was tasty and at an amazing price point compared to what else we saw on our walk. After we eat we continue to walk up to the river and look around a bit before heading back to the hostel to shower and head to bed. When we got there though, the night host and some of his friends were watching a futbol match (RMA vs PSG) so we joined them. He kept pouring rally shots of jim bean which I entertain for a couple. As the match comes to a close, we head to bed.

Even though the label looks like a jelly belly store, its actually our dinner spot. Was delicious.

One of the ferry places along the river.

looking north across the river  from the northern tip of old town.

Galata tower poking up from the surrounding buildings.

Bridge heading north.

One of the towers of the bridge. Looked kinda cool.

Hagia sofia at night

Little bit better pic.

Across the fountain at the blue mosque.

Got to see the fountain change colors and heights as we sat here looking at the blue mosque.

Blue mosque at night with color-changing fountain

Decided to go check it out as the gate was open.

Lit minaret.

In case any of yall would like to plan ahead for your visit.

So admission to visitors is cut off as they are renovating. Only practicing muslims are allowed in during prayer time to pray. Pretty impressive that such a monumental building is still being used for its normal purpose and not just a museum.

Building up close and personal.