Looking toward an entrance to The Grand Bazaar. It is common for shop owners to stand at the entrance of their stores. One spotted me with my camera and my cover was blown...
The relay signal went up from one guy on a stoop after another, forcing me to run the gauntlet into the bazaar... I chose a different exit.
Exterior of my hotel. Very highly regarded on Expedia. Their service was top-notch. Free breakfasts and afternoon teas served daily on the rooftop, with a view of The Marmara Sea. Quiet and safe neighborhood.
Street view opposite the hotel. This view is looking away from the mosque area...
View looking downhill from outside the hotel, toward the Marmara Sea. The Kumkapi neighborhood is down this hill and about a 10-minute walk to 40 seafood restaurants with most entrees priced from $9 to $20 U.S. Dollars.
The view uphill from outside the hotel. About 3 short blocks up to the main drag and the city tram line. The Grand Bazaar is less than an 8-minute walk away in this direction.
Better view looking downhill. Neighborhood became largely deserted at night. Never heard any police or ambulances during my 9 nights at this hotel. Many other small hotels in these blocks...
Interior photos of The Niles Hotel... This is the lobby, sitting area, and small courtyard at the back. Glass elevator at the left. 29 rooms total to the hotel.
Tea area. They welcome guests with a glass of hot apple tea. Good stuff! I bought 3 bags from them for $1 each.
Courtyard closed off with glass windows due to seasonal temps being cool.
Hallway outside the room. Paintings and photos of the local area decorate the walls.
The room. Key card must be placed in the holder on the left to activate electricity in the room. First came across this in Japan.
Unique glass windown between the bathroom and the bedroom.
Rain-type shower head and tri-folding shower door.
Radiator heat controlled with setting dial on the unit. First saw such in Prague. AC unit mounted high on the wall (in white and made by Bosch).
Initially, I placed my suitcase in the same spot but on the floor. The cleaning help got out the stand and placed the suitcase on it.
Handy light switch panel above the headboard (on the right).
The blue "eye" in the upper left corner is a common symbol in Turkey. It's purpose? To ward off evil spirits.
Ceiling lights tucked into the soffit to avoid direct room light.
Bed was very, very, very firm. Thought I would bruise every time I turned over. Generally took until 3-4am to fall asleep. No other bed options available at the hotel.
Accent lighting turned on.
More accent lighting.
The view out the window, through a veiled sheen-type drape. Balcony was inaccessible.
Blackout drapes closed. Accent lighting on...
Bathroom light on, illuminating window feature...
Symbol in upper left corner present in many places around Istanbul.
Bathroom door was a hanging sheet of frosted glass which slid back and forth to cover the entry.
Turkish spice 21-pack. Though one place had something somewhat similar for 20 Lira, the cheapest I got these for were 25 Lira at a place just outside of the Grand Bazaar.
The Fire Tower, on the campus of Istanbul University. A handy landmark to use to find one's way around. It's adjacent to The Grand Bazaar.
A display inside The Grand Bazaar. Very impressive in person. Alas, the camera I used didn't do many a display justice.
Sadly, these eye-catching light displays just don't photograph well.
View looking down a covered street inside The Grand Bazaar. There are 61 such streets, and 3,000 merchants.
Photo of an entrance to The Grand Bazaar.
Grand Bazaar off to the right, with this being a lesser-know mosque behind the bazaar. Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia off to the right...
A 2nd attempt, trying to minimize the parking lot in the foreground.
And at the other end of the same parking lot... I think, according to the tourist map, this is "The Burnt Column"..
Sky imported from Prague...
Tram station within the main road. Blue Mosque behind.
Shop opposite the mosque area. Restaurant prices higher, exchange rates lower, etc., in this area. But nice window shopping!
The stone pillar.
More distances etched into a wood walkway around the stone pillar.
Hagia Sophia. Not too many tourists out as the mosques are closed. But there are guys about pushing rug and leather jacket sales.
My camera was spotted, bringing a rug solicitor who was interrupted by a leather jacket salesman. And they don't take a "not interested" easily.
Looking across the space between the mosques, with the Hagia Sophia behind and The Blue Mosque in front.
Zooming in on The Blue Mosque as dusk comes, with a water fountain in the foreground.