Tourist time

Now that I'm firing on all cylinders again, I decided to go to Taksim and Istiklal Caddesi this afternoon after my morning art class. This is one of the 'must see' areas when visiting Istanbul and I always enjoy the palpable energy in this street - even on a really hot day, walking in brilliant sunshine so strong that vision was impaired.  I took photos of all things Turkishness touristy before having a long and expensive but very refreshing and much needed home made lemon and mint slush drink.  Main pic is of a traditionally dressed ice cream seller. These guys have this whole 'magical' routine of delivery for the ice cream cones, jugglling and adroitly avoiding the outstretched receiving hand - always amusing to watch.

Extras:
1. The tram that famously runs the length of Istiklal Caddesi from Taksım to Tünel (info here)
2. Tram in Taksim square waiting to depart
3. The famous Lokum (Turkish Delight) shop Hafiz Mustafa, selling lokum and other famous Turkish sweet treats such as baklava,  since 1864
4. Simit (sesame seed 'covered bread bun shaped like a bagel) street seller. Very popular for breakfast, simit sellers are a regular sight on the streets of Istanbul.
5. Taksim mosque and taxis at Taksim square. (More info here)

For those who are familiar with Istanbul -  I used my route that avoids walking up hill!  I took the bus from college lower gate in Arnavutkoy to Taksim and came back by Metro to Etiler and from there walked (down) the hill ton campus to the apartment. By the time I got back 'home' around 19.30, including a morning teaching of course, I'd done 16,300 steps today!