Taksim and Ortakoy, Istanbul

Next morning arrived at Taksim Square using the metro
Walking Istiklal Street which is both trendy and retro.
Under more rainbow umbrellas strategically suspended
Towards the Galata Tower which was still being mended.

Boarding a local ferry was to be our next mission
By Dolmabahçe Palace with it’s enviable position.
Onto Ortakoy boasting the Mecidye Mosque waterside
Plus Kumpir (stuffed baked potatoes), naturally we tried.

Viewed yet more architecture from times of Ottoman
Before we returned to digs trying our first real Haman.
Sauna, steam then laid starkers on a marble slab
Exfoliated down with a mitt, no care for one’s flab.

Hosed then covered in a thick lather of lavender foam
Finished off rinsing by buckets of cold water thrown!
Towelled down, gown wrapped and told rest awhile
Interesting experience but prefer to try another style.

Our three day stopover quickly came to an end
We’ll return in October for more time to spend.
Thanks for the adventure Istanbul, we say goodbye
Next to see Chris’s family so off to Vienna we fly.Read more