Another freezing & soggy day. Spent the first part of my day in the Hagia Sophia, which is absolutely splendid!!!

Then I finally made my way over to Taksim Square & meandered my way down İstiklal Avenue. I didn't photograph much here b/c sometimes it's nice to step back & observe life with my own eyes, rather than through a lens. It's easy to photograph...it's difficult to put the cameras away & just watch & listen. My favourite memory was watching a kid hang onto the back of the old tram as it made it's way through the crowd on İstiklal Avenue. I may not have a photo of it, but it's crystal clear in my mind.

Then a quick meal of freshly grilled fish with greens, lots of salt & lemon juice as I walked back over the Galata Köprüsü. And of course a quick stop at another train station, the Sirkeci Garı, which used to be the terminus station of the Orient Express.

Finished the day at Hasif Mustafa again...I ended up coming here twice in a span of a few hours b/c my new found friend (from Victoria...love the Canadians!) wanted to come here for dessert. Fabulous end to the day;0)

Tagged: sirkecigarı hafizmustafa hagiasophia museum journey travel taksim turkey istiklalavenue