Da-Painter
-
Posts
556 -
Joined
Content Type
Forums
Store
Blogs
Downloads
Events
Gallery
Posts posted by Da-Painter
-
-
That may have answered part of my question; being, why did seemingly many people walk to the Mosque instead of take the tram?
We walked because we wanted to see the city, we knew it was not far. About half way there, we came across a block long small garden of blooming tulips, quite surprising to see, very pretty.
Like the other person said, by the time we got back to the ship, about 4PM, we were tired. Would do the walk again, we are walkers, though, sometimes DW has enough, no regrets. :)
-
Realitoes--I love to hear that you walked in Istanbul. One question: everyone (on another site) mentions that going to all the sites is uphill. Is this a nice, gentle hill or a wipe-you-out hill? I'm fairly fit, but it's also going to be hot when I'm there. Just want to know if the hill will be any problem...
Thanks!
We also did the walk from the ship to the Sophia, Blue M, etc. I do not recall any major uphill areas. I think there was a block with a gentle up grade, but that was about it. We ended up following the trolly tracks there.
From the ship across the bridge and across the street is about 15 minutes, then another 15 minutes following the trolly tracks.
If you continue following the trolly tracks they will lead you to the Grand B.
As mentioned there were a good amount of folks out. I could not imagine it in the hot summer, with more people there.
And just say 'no' to the folks who want to be your friend and show you their rug shop, don't stop - just keep walking. They will continue talking and following you, and eventually give up on you. Thats the best advice I heard, and will pass it along. :)
-
On the entire cruise in ports, I only saw 1 internet cafe, do not remember where it was. DW had trouble accessing her Yahoo mail on the ships computers, they gave her credit for the times she could not get on. It was very slow.
I noticed some folks had good wifi on their phones through out the ship.
There is a clock at the entry/exit of the ship with the current time, and the 'all aboard time' on a sign.
Now back to work. I am ready for my next cruise though. Miss all our new crusin' friends. ;)
-
Our room stewart left a card at the nightly room turn-down, reminding us to change our clocks forward, and back, as well as in the daily.:)
If you get Charles, he also does wonderful towel animals, and taught my wife how to make them. :);)
-
We arrived back home last nite, on the same cruise and had a great time.
As far as Turkey and the Lira, I ordered the tickets to see the Hagia Sophia online before leaving, just printed out our tickets. Went there, and went right to the entry, and went in, otherwise there is a long line to buy tickets. It was amazing to see.
The Blue Mosque was closed from 12 noon to 2PM. There is no charge there.
We went to the Cistern, and they required TL, its $10 TL per person. The cashier directed us up the street a block to exchange Euros into TL. But the gift shop there accepts Euros. I kinda agree, I would pass on it.
Mostly everyone else accepted TL, so we did not have to bother getting any more.
We walked Istanbul, you get off the ship, walk across the bridge, go to the left, cross the street and can follow the street car tracks to the Hagia Sophia, and in the same location is the Blue Mosque and the Cistern. And follow the tracks up to the Grand Bazaar, and headed back to the cruise ship, go right thru to the Spice Market.
And through out Istanbul, you will be approached by folks asking where you are from, and its funny, but everyone had a cousin, or brother who lives there. They are working to bring you to their carpet shop to show you their collection. Even while going into the Blue Mosque, putting our shoes into a plastic bag, before entering, a gentleman asked me if I was on a tour, as he would give me a tour of the BM, and then wanted to show me his carpet shop... They are everywhere. Just say 'no' and keep walking away. Do not get into a long conversation, as they are pros to get you into their shops.
Otherwise, it was a great trip. Have fun!! :)
NCL Spirit Med Cruise Q&A
in Norwegian Cruise Line
Posted
Loved your review, glad NCL took good care of you and your special occasion. We are quite partial to NCL, we also feel they do a great job, and just stay with them. Love your new banners when you arrived at your room, you deserve it. :):):)