Istanbul for the 2nd Time

As with Athens, I've been to Istanbul before.
As with Athens, it was the 1^st visit for my mom.
Therefore, as with Athens, I took in all of Istanbul's major attractions for the 2^nd time.

I'm glad mommy offered to pay for the entrance fees; they were outrageous!!! Prices must've more than doubled over the past few years.
Although I enjoyed the Hagia Sophia the first time, it was a huge disappointment now. I don't exactly know why...just felt dark, dreary, and dusty. I think the place was waaaay too overpriced for what it had to offer. I took a lot of photos there last time, but I didn't even take the camera out of my bag this time. Even though the blooming flowers in the garden were nice.
On the other hand, the Basilica Cistern and the Dolmabahce Palace were better the 2^nd time around. I love the reflection of the columns on the water at the cistern!!!

My mom and I did a lot of things differently than when I traveled through the city with my friends. The biggest difference being that we walked or took the subway everywhere. I don't know why I relied on taxis at a younger age. I must've been more spoiled back then; Now, I know the importance of being saving pennies.
Anyways, we walked all the way from Sultanahmet to Dolmabahce and further on to some market near the Asia-Europe bridge. I was so cranky by the time we reached the market (took about 2 hours on foot!) that I didn't even try the huge baked potato with all-you-can-choose toppings that the area is famous for. Regret.

But, we did try a ton of other Turkish food that I never got a chance to the last time. Everything was DELICIOUS, except for the mackerel sandwich (サバサンド). Japanese guidebooks rave about it...I ended up giving mine to the cats. It was just too fishy for my liking. I think it could've been edible with rice and soy sauce, taking out the skin and black meat (gross!).
Of course, you can't go wrong with any kind of kebab. It' just SOOOOOOO good : ) Although I can't vouch for sheep yumminess (don't eat them), everything else that can be kebab-ed was awesome.

Another Turkish deliciousness comes in the form of bread. Yes, baguettes. For 1 TYL, you can buy a roll that is undoubtedly the crispiest-on-the-outside, and the fluffiest-on-the-inside. Loved it.

You'd think it being Ramadan, food may be hard to come by. Not at all. Muslim food-rule seems to be quite lenient in Istanbul itself. However, there are strict observers for sure, making the dinner-rush a nightmare. Seriously...right before sunset, there'd be a long line in front of each and every restaurant – Muslims waiting to get their hands on food!!! Mom and I quickly learned to eat a bit before sunset to avoid the wait.
Ramadan has its positives though – special desserts!!! Gullac was the MOST AMAZING thing!!! It's sort of like a milk pudding/pastry with pomegranates and walnuts. Had one almost every day (along with Turkish coffee). Aghhhhhh....Miss it already. Mom was going to buy back a "gullac-making kit" but was discouraged after being told that they are extremely difficult and time consuming to make properly.
They also had a bunch of other pudding-ish desserts (forgot their names already) that were high on the yummy scale as well.
I'm glad I came to Istanbul during Ramadan. Otherwise, I would've been stuck with just a baklava for dessert, and I absolutely HATE them.

Enough about food.

One final Turkish experience – the hamam (Turkish bath). Having been geared for foreigners, the place was rather expensive. But I think it was worth it...you know, to try it out for the first time (although probably not too authentic).
Let me just say that I have never seen so many naked Caucasians in one place. I haven't gone to a nude beach (at least not yet), and you don't get to see many of them at the Japanese hot springs....
Aside from the nakedness, however, the hamam was great. The fat Turkish woman scrubbed me hard enough to remove all the dirt I've accumulated over the past several months on the road. I felt so CLEAN and rejuvenated afterwards.
Mom mentioned something about looking for one near home so she can get dad cleaned up. I wonder if she ever found one.... I could probably use another deep cleansing by the time I stop by home.