Balat, Istanbul

Awoke to morning chants and seagull cries
A crisp clear morning with promising skies.
Istanbulkart aided us navigating tram and train fares
Ventured to Balat known for colourful homes & stairs.

Rainbow painted steps and multiple umbrellas bright
Taking photos whilst avoiding Instagrammer fights!
Hills ensured our wanderings were at a slow pace
A shoeshiner picking up on Chris’s generous face!

Refreshing drinks with water views at a rooftop cafe
Admiring the Suleymaniye Mosque as locals did pray.
Onwards and upwards towards the Grand Bazaar maze
By hundreds of stalls and upon a myriad of wares gaze.

Jewellery, leather goods, clothes, carpets and prayer mats
Plus on every corner or under a chair you’ll find some cats.
Escaped the labyrinth by continuing to follow signs
Into fresh air always tinged with the smell of felines.Read more