three stories. Looming up above the Bosphorous Sea, the hotel commands the most stunning view of the turquoise waters and playground beneath. Did I say playground? Yes, I did, for that was what was below us. Yachts flying mlii-national flags lay bobbing below in the harbor, and luxury cars were parked haphazardly along the coastal road. It turns out this are is for vacationers who wish to berth their little boats and have a Turkish coffee at the many picturesque cafes dotting the coast, and perhaps tuck into roast lamb and yogurt dips if they were looking for emoting more substantial. The winding road of this coastline is more likely be inhabited by stately homes and huge mansions, and the hotel seemed an odd fixture betwixt the residential feel of the coast. Nevertheless, it had all the comforts I needed, including a gym and a pool. Apparently, it also had Turkish baths, although I didn’t have the luxury of time to experience this unique hot house. What I did have time for was a foray into the spice bazaar. More formally called the Misir Carsisi, the bazaar is an experience not to be missed. First, the hawkers. The incessant cries of the spice sellers, in a language probably used over centuries of trading, beat down on customers and tourists in a cacophony that’s an entire auditory experience. Then, the wares. The flowers and fruits and spices, vanilla pods and jasmine husks, as well as teas of every description. (Love tea? Relaxing Tea? Viagra Tea? They have it!) The golden jewelry and the brilliant gemstones. And of course, the sticky, chewy goodie called Turkish delights. We were fortunate to chance upon an accommodating hawker who let us sample all the Turkish delight flavors we wanted, from cherry to coffee, marshmallow, vanilla and pistachio, until we were almost sick of the pastry. Almost, but not quite. He explained to us that the boxed merchandise easily available outside or in the airport were cheaper because they were sugar-based. What was being diced and sliced in front
33 EC Magazine | World Tourism Day Edition 2020
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