We left Bolu for Istanbul in the morning.

 

 

But we made one last photo stop at Mount Bolu, soaking in the views of the forested mountainous ranges and the Bolu viaduct highway.

 

 

Returning to the Asian side of Istanbul, we ascended Çamlıca Hill which is the highest point of the city. Perched at 267 meters above sea level, we peered through the fog to make out the Bosphorus Bridge which is the gateway to the Sea of Marmara.

 

 

We skipped the optional Bosphorus Cruise, opting to take the coach across the Bosphorus Bridge to the European side.

 

 

We docked along the Galata Bridge for lunch at the Neptun Balik Restaurant.

 

 

While the food was average, the views along the bridge were beautiful.

 

 

Seagulls dance around ships that sail gracefully against the backdrop of the Istanbul skyline and silhouetting minarets.

 

 

Arrays of fishing lines cascade into the waters of the Golden Horn where bobbing jellyfishes can be seen.

 

 

The rest of the day was allocated for shopping at the Grand Bazaar, the largest covered market in Turkey, with 4000 shops contesting for your attention with their attractive displays of wares and promised discounts.

 

 

Putting our poor bargaining skills into practice, we got a series of souvenirs from talismanic evil-eye keychains to colourful Turkish glasses.

 

 

Lousy bargainers like us? Pick up a trick or two at:

http://www.wittistanbul.com/magazine/how-to-bargain-like-a-pro-in-istanbuls-grand-bazaar-and-elsewhere/

 

Our shopping was cut short when the complex was hit by a blackout. Although there wasn’t much of a panic, we still headed for the exit for safety reasons.

 

 

With nothing much to shop outside, our eyes wandered to the food stalls from which we bought steamed maize and roasted chestnuts. Unlike the half-peeled plump chestnuts on display, the seller reached into the dark recesses of his bin and filled our bag with gaunt ones.

 

 

We had our only oriental meal of the trip at Chang Cheng restaurant on the last night in Turkey. After days of bland Turkish food, the not-too-elaborate fare of rice, eggs, vegetables and soup tasted heavenly.

 

 

We came full circle, checking into Double Tree Hilton, the hotel we stayed on the first night.