Istanbul for us Sept 25

Sights of Istanbul

The attached pictures are what we saw as we walked back to our hotel. So colourful, graceful and charming. We have nothing but good memories of this place that is the birthplace of civilization - in many ways.

We thought it wouldn't be right to leave Turkey without having a Turkish Bath. We had seen a sign in our previous hotel and had made an appointment for our final evening. It was a super experience.
First we had to shower, (no soap, just get all wet) – then we wrapped a light cloth around us and were guided to the sauna room. It was very hot in this room. The wooden bench that we sat on was the only one we could actually sit on – the others were way too hot. We may have been in there 15 minutes before she came to 'rescue' us.

We were taken to the bathing room where we sat by beautiful fluted, marble basins and our helpers turned the waters on and then dipped a copper bowl in and poured it over us. This was repeated for some time and then she instructed us to keep doing this for the next 5 minutes. From there we were taken to the actual hamam – that is a raised (and heated) marble bed which was big enough for both of us. Here more water is poured on us and then we are scrubbed with loofah pad. The job is thorough and feels good. Next we are foamed with 5 inches of soap suds, which, when it is being applied feels like a soft duvet being sloshed up and down our body. Then the ladies start a soap scrub, again, softly but firmly washing and rinsing. We are finally ready for the massage which is gentle (probably because of our age). Another shower rinse, towel off, wrap in towel and then we're advised to sit on a lounge chair for 5 minutes – just to let our blood pressure settle. After one hour we were done.

It was exhausting, and refreshing. It certainly left our skin feeling baby soft. We were very glad we experienced a real Turkish Bath.

No photos of the bath experience!!