Final day of Istanbul.

Istanbul finale Sept 25

Istanbul, Last Day September 25

On our last day in Turkey we awoke early so that we could fit it all in. We breakfasted in the hotel with the remainder of our tour group and then said our goodbyes.

Lewis' and us were only moving to the Home Hotel which was half a block away. They allowed us to put our luggage in our designated rooms, even tho it was not 9 a.m.

We walked up to the city train station and bought a ticket for 1.30 tyl (turkey lira) to Asian side of Istanbul and Dolmabahce palace. We were there shortly after 9 but were delayed entry until after 10 a.m. We gathered with a group who could understand English and were off with a high energy little Turkish gal who directed us through this incredible palace.

It was probably the most opulent living quarters in all of Turkey. In 1843 it was designed by an 16 year old Sultan who only lived until 23 because of Tuberculosis. Two successive sultans lived there, each adding their excesses. There are 285 rooms, 44 halls, 68 toilets, and 6 Turkish Baths.

The final resident was Ataturk. He lived there after bring Turkey into the modern era and he died in 1938 at 53 years of sclerosis of the liver. (A little suspect for a non drinking Islam.)

We were taken through many of the great rooms which have been restored. Beautiful carpets, intricate inlaid flooring, gilded walls and ceiling, and fabulous massive chandeliers. Most were gifts and the the chandelier from Queen Victoria weighed 4.5 tons and is made from lead crystal. Huge and ornate and an example of opulence from another era.

For some reason we were not allowed to take any photos inside the palace but the outside grounds were beautiful too. Inside photos can be seen on their website.

We spotted a little outside cafe and stopped for a quick lunch by the sea and in view of the palace. Noted a very conservative family beside us.