The Grand Bazaar Istanbul

I really love to write more but I've so many things to do that I've absolutely no time, or I used all my free time to do yoga or rest. My wedding is another 2.5 months from now and I've so many things undone, unconfirmed and unknown maybe. 

Nonetheless, I manage to catch a breather amidst my hectic schedule, and yesterday I went to the grand bazaar in Istanbul. It's been few years since I last came here and I really love going out to explore or even going back to places that I've visited years ago. 

The Grand Bazaar is the biggest in Istanbul, merely a 10 minutes walk from the landmark - Blue mosque, or a 10 minutes cab from tasking square. It's the largest covered market with thousands of shops selling lamps, pottery, carpets, spices, tea, jeweleries and accessories, and it's a must go for tourists visiting Istanbul. 

I love the vibrancy, colors and the hassle bussle in the bazaar, the sellers are over friendly at times but they are humorous and can be helpful, and they speak a few languages too. Rule number one for shopping here, BARGAIN! You need to know how to bargain in order to grab a steal here! Things here are mostly price higher than what they worth! 

I really love the intrigue designs of all the pottery here, they are bursting with zest! 

My favourite is these chandelier looking vivid lamps, but I've no place for them at home. 

A note to everyone whenever you are in a foreign land, always keep an eye on your belongings and keep your valuables close to you. If you are taking a taxi, you can bargain the fare with the driver too. Remember to check with your hotel on the estimated fare of your journey and bring your hotel name cards with you, because language can be an issue in Istanbul. 

Lastly, every time you are making a payment to a seller at the bazaar or a taxi driver, please take out the notes and open it and show the person clearly the amount of notes you are giving him. They will try to swap your notes very quickly, like in a blink of your eyes, and tell you that you have short change them. I took a cab back to my hotel, and the agreed fare was 55 lira, and I have given him a 50 lira note, while trying to fish out my 10 lira, he told me I gave him 5 lira! It's a common scam in Istanbul, so be safe! 

Meanwhile, take care! 

Xoxo, 

Missy_Celine