Nice day for a Turkish bath

On the way from Gallipoli to Istanbul, we stopped for a tour of Troy. It was actually pretty interesting to learn what was real or believed to be real from the legends and what wasn't. The site of the city has actually had nine cities built on it throughout the years. They also don't really know if there ever was a Trojan horse since there are a couple of stories of how it happened. Needless to say brad Pitt wasn't there though. Sad panda. BUT Troy is in Asia so now I've officially been in three continents!

Once we got into istabul, where we stayed in a HOTEL! Fiiiiinally!! We headed out to a shisha bar to taste some of the local goods. Have to admit the apple flavored one was quite delicious as was the chocolate. Also tried a shot ( and I use that word loosely since it was basically a glass full) of Raki which is sambuca's more disgusting potent cousin. Not even a beer chaser could save my tongue from its taste for about ten minutes. Ran into some drama lama when we tried to go out to a club (one of our tour mates started yelling at us and threatening one of the guys)so we just went to a pub and got some beers instead. All in all a good night!

Today we visited the Blue Mosque. It was pretty but it wasn't nearly as cool as actually getting to hear the call to prayer at noon. saw a Turkish rug demo at a shop that was way out of my price range but they served us apple tea (tasted like warm Apple juice aka delicious) so it kind of saved the experience. Went to the grand bazaar which was totally overwhelming but I haggled my way into getting A sweet scarf. Then it was Turkish bath time. I'd never heard of one until this trip but if you ever come here you must go for sure. Essentially the girls and guys separate and strip down to just a pair of undies they give you. You sweat it out on a large heated marble stone for a bit before you're scrubbed down and soaped up by a Turkish lady. Apparently my skin is dirty according to what she managed to scrub off. Gross! Then she washed my hair (one of my fave things ever) and off I went to get a massage. Best thing I could've done after three and a half weeks of camping. Also got me a facial and a pedicure. Sooo relaxing. I loved it!

Also had some kebabs and baklava of course. Onwards to Bulgaria tomorrow!