The parcel is on its way, my little sis has been a star getting it organised for us, thanks Elsa. We may be able to get back on the road by the end of the week. Anyone sensing that we are running out of things to do is probably correct, but we need to wait for the parcel containing Matt's new credit card and some decent maps of Syria, Jordan and Egypt. We have discovered that outside of Western Europe you will struggle to get anything other than a tourist road map.
Decided to go to Kadikoy today and the Asian side of Istanbul. According to the guidebook there is a huge Tuesday market and a very well respected produce market.
The ferry ride to Kadikoy was good with excellent views of the city and at 1.75TL (about 40p) very cheap. After getting our bearings we found the produce market which although good didn't seem as large as the guide book suggested. Nevertheless the fish, olives, fruit and vegetables, cheeses and meats on offer all looked lovely.
From the produce market we headed towards the Tuesday market site only to discover a car park and the back of Fenerbahçe football stadium. We re-checked our directions but to no avail, the market was not there.
Somewhat dejectedly we went back to the produce market, bought some food, had a çay in a nearby café and then went back to the ferry.
A bit of research later and I discovered that the market moved in 2008 to a new site out of the town centre. Bearing in mind that the Lonely Planet guide we are using was updated in April 2010, you might think that they would have corrected their information. I guess they rely on people telling them though, so perhaps I better get on the case!
While Debs had a rest, I had a stroll along the waterfront and had several entertaining conversations with friendly Turkish men (carpet sellers) who all thought that what we really needed was a nice Persian rug to go with our tent. Unsatisfied with the answer that I couldn't carry it or wouldn't be going home for a while, they all kindly offered to ship it home for me (at my expense obviously). Interestingly none of them seemed that interested in actually showing me a carpet. Clearly they are so confident in their sale skills that there is no need for me to actually see the product.
Tried a different kebab restaurant for variety last night, I am starting to miss cooking on the stove!
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