Arrival in Istanbul

I landed around noon in Istanbul and took a bus to Taksim Square where Anastasia already awaited me. We walked then to her home and went for lunch afterwards. She had to go back to work, so I headed off alone on Istiklal Caddesi - the main shopping road - in direction of Galata Tower.

This tower has been built by the Genovese in 1348. Today you can take an elevator to the top and have a great view on the Golden Horn, Sultanahmet and Beyoğlu. From across the water the tower looks like a big pencil sticking out of the buildings.

Then I was going to Sirkeci Train Station where the old Orient Express arrived in Istanbul and bought tickets for Whirling Dervishes Show. Two hours later I returned with Anastasia and we ate at a Döner Takeaway before we went to the show in the nice old oriental waiting hall. First we listened to music, then six black clothed persons came in. Music started again and the derwishes meditated until they reached a different mental state, threw away their coats and started to whirl.