[ZZ] Go Türkey

[Zig Ziggler]

Dropped by Pigeon Valley to have lunch. Nice stroll after lunch to this vantage point overlooking Uchisar Castle.

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[Zig Ziggler]

Next, we went to the Underground City. Amazing network of tunnels used as hiding places, cellars, storage, etc.
So narrow are the tunnels that we had to squat in order to move through the passage ways. Surprisingly well ventilated with air vents as shown below. Def not for those who are claustrophobic.

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[Zig Ziggler]

Caught a traditional Dervish dance and belly-dancing performance after dinner.
Frankly speaking, can forgo. All of us were so sleepy after such a long day.

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[Zig Ziggler]

Left Capadoccia the next day and headed to the capital Ankara. On the way, we drove past a large salt lake which was quite far away. At first, I spotted ant-like objects in the middle of the lake and upon zooming in with my lens, realised they were tourists! Upon closer look, some were taking selfies :bsmilie:

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[Zig Ziggler]

Been quite busy lately. Will speed up and complete this thread by this week hopefully.

Meanwhile, arrived at the Anitkabir mausoleum of Ataturk (founder and first president of Republic of Turkey). Managed to catch the guards changing shift in the late noon. Easily the center of attraction that day.

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[Zig Ziggler]

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[Zig Ziggler]

Stayed over night at this hotel in Bolu. Nothing much around this hilly area so came outside in the cold fog to toy with the SonyPlaymemories function on both my hp and camera. Took much of my time trying to coordinate between the two.
Still prefer using my remote. :bsmilie:

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[Zig Ziggler]

Back in Istanbul the next day. Glad to be back actually. Kinda miss the bustling city life. While the rest of the tour group went for the Bosphorus cruise, we opted out to have breakfast near the old spice market where Walter White was my kebab cook.
Took some shots while waiting for our meals.

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[Zig Ziggler]

Managed to find our way to the Old Spice Market. Didn't have much time here to shop as we had to return to our bus. Apparently we spent too much time having breakfast. ;p

Kinda like the vibes here. Prices are also cheaper as compared to the Grand Bazaar (which we found out later).

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[Zig Ziggler]

At Topkapi Palace to view the imperial treasures from eons ago. Apparently the staff that was used by Moses to part the Red Sea is on display too but didn't get to see it due to long queues. Had my tripod kept by the security there. Strictly no photography too when viewing the displays. So only took a few photos.

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[Zig Ziggler]

Went to Grand Bazaar. Didn't like the ginormous + super crowded place with too many shops selling the same stuff.
Prices as mentioned earlier are much more ex being a touristy place (some of my tour members managed to snap cheap T-shirts though). Ended up drinking coffee just outside.

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[Zig Ziggler]

Next day, we had a 2D1N R&R by ourselves. Our tour manager brought us to Taksim Square to do shopping.
Easily my favourite place as I already started missing city life.
Also great that we finally could have time to do our own stuff and explore on our own.

Have to say the only bad experience is getting cheated by one taxi driver with fast hands.
However, another taxi driver was kind enough to buy us drinks on the way back to our hotel.
So I guess even stevens?

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[Zig Ziggler]

Managed to find an excellent roof top dining place to view the sunset over at the Blue Mosque. Was thinking between this or taking in sunset views at the Galata Tower (#93).

Luckily I made the right choice, which was to have our last dinner in Turkey and enjoy the views.

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[Zig Ziggler]

That is all I have to share from my trip.
Tks for viewing and wishing everyone here in CS a Merry Xmas and Happy New Year 2015! :hearts:

 

[Nautical]

Nice shots. Plan to go turkey this year. What kind of lens will u advice to bring?

 

[mspriyan]

Amazing Log and thanks for sharing..

 

[takafan]

Interesting, loving the hot air balloons!

 

[JacePhoto]

Nice!

 

[Zig Ziggler]

Nice shots. Plan to go turkey this year. What kind of lens will u advice to bring?

Tks. I would recommend a wide-telephoto lens as main, fast prime(night) and ultrawide lens (landscapes). Happy shooting for yr trip!

Amazing Log and thanks for sharing..

Tks and no problem at all mspriyan~

Interesting, loving the hot air balloons!

Hey Ian tks for dropping by! Pity the sunrise wasn't what I had in mind but guess had to make do anyway

Nice!

Tks bro