Nathan's Insights

Saturday 03 June 2023
Highlights: Surviving overnight flight, early check in, exploring the Sultan Ahmed Mosque (Blue Mosque)

With some trepidation and still feeling unwell I joined our group at 00:30 for the transfer to the airport for my international flight to Istanbul. It was a real struggle to get to the airport and not to throw up until after I was checked in and past security.

I was however sick once airside but thanks to the support of Amy and Mick it wasn’t a disaster when throwing up in a Duty-Free shop. From this point I started feeling better and enjoyed some replacement fluids and a card game with my travel group.

The flight back to Istanbul went well enough as I stayed in a stable condition. I had seriously considered postponing the flight and I would have accepted a denial of boarding or at check in (especially as I was sweating badly when landside). In the end everything was okay (see flight review here).

After landing in Istanbul I said a final goodbye to my 5 travel mates as they went to find their transit flights and I went to enter Türkiye. Once I was past security and had my bag I booked a return transfer to my hotel which was massively expensive but really no other option, it would be great if the Government could offer alternative.

I had booked the FER Hotel in the centre of the old city area of Istanbul. Arriving at 7 am I asked at reception about them holding my bag until check in but they instead offered to check me in now if I was willing to move to a twin room instead of the double I booked. Checking in 7 hours early I was very happy to take the option.

I quickly had a shower and got around 5 hours sleep (having none in the last 36 hours). I could tell my body still wasn’t settled but I was keen to explore a little today and the Sultan Ahmed Mosque (Blue Mosque) was my choice.

The Sultan Ahmed Mosque was consulted between 1609 and 1616. It is known as the ‘Blue Mosque’ due to the hand-painted blue tiles that adorn the mosque’s interior walls.

There was a long line to enter the mosque but everyone was respectful and courteous. Most were very excited to be here. On entry your need to take off your shoes and be properly dressed which is more strict for women.

This is an amazing architectural achievement and who can see how such a building would inspire a spiritual response.

After leaving the mosque I had a number of hawkers trying to get me to go to their shops and buy carpets or other products. It was fairly full on and ignoring and definitely spoils the moment but I understand the need for locals to make money. Still the hawkers and me feeling under the weather encouraged me to leave the area and return on another day to see the Hagia Sophia.

After some walking I returned to my hotel and decided to skip dinner and hope my system settles during the night.