First of all, what's the largest city in Europe? It's not London, Paris, Rome, or Madrid. Who knew that it is Istanbul? Seriously! Who had any idea? I certainly didn't and I have visited the city twice. If you are a tourist wandering this beautiful city, most likely you'll find yourself in the shadow of the Blue Mosque and the Hagia Sophia (formerly a Greek Orthodox basilica, then an imperial mosque and now a museum). It's a beautiful area to wander. In the spring, you'll see a lot of tulips and daffodils. No matter what season, you'll most likely see one of the traditional water bearers. My guess is originally, these men made their money selling refreshing cups of water under the blazing sun. These days, I think they make more money posing for tourists who must have a very unique Turkish portrait.
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However, I didn't drink any of the water. I'm a little more cautious than that when I travel. I want to know where my water comes from, clear and clean, and I want to be sure one hundred other people haven't had a sip from the cup before it was washed. I do, however, trust water that has been boiled for coffee and tea. And, it is no problem to find a welcoming warm drink in Turkey. If you walk anywhere near the Blue Mosque, you are certain to get apple tea. It brings up visions of dried apples and tea, slowly brewed over a fire. That isn't what you'll get. Instead, think of apple-flavored, hot Tang. Yep, it's usually a mix stirred up in hot water. I grew up on Tang, and can't really say I like it. However, I really enjoyed apple tea. Tulips in front of the Blue Mosque.So, if you are wandering near the Blue Mosque, how will you get a sampling of apple tea? You will be pulled into a carpet shop. It doesn't matter if you want a carpet or not; you will be pulled in. The vendors don't accept, "No, thank you." And, the first thing any self-respecting carpet merchant does is serve you up some apple tea. I wasn't in any need of a carpet. But, I knew I really wanted to explore the Grand Bazaar. It's the top destination in Istanbul and I was there within two hours of arriving in the country. It was way more organized and clean than I ever expected, and so very colorful. Multiple times, I was pulled into carpet shops and pampered with apple tea. I must say, I yielded. They took credit cards. After just three hours in Turkey, I had my first Turkish carpet. And after just two trips to Istanbul, I'm a little embarrassed to admit, I own five magnificent carpets.
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Shopping at the Grand Bazaar includes colors, clothing, spices, tea sets, Turkish carpets and, of course, apple tea.
First of all, what's the largest city in Europe? It's not London, Paris, Rome, or Madrid. Who knew that it is Istanbul? Seriously! Who had any idea? I certainly didn't and I have visited the city twice.
