Crypto exchange office is a proud neighbour of the gated entry to the old bazaar in the European side of the city. I couldn't resist and went in, to ask for exchange rate. Spot price is offered with 4% commission on transaction above 2000 USD. With less they can't be bothered I guess. Most of top 20 coins are being accepted including Tether.
The entry to crowded bazaar is patrolled by a police officer, controling masks and screening for guns (probably). Once in you can put the mask of as most of the others do.
Grand bazaar is truly an experience on it's own. Local vendors are selling mostly trashy products, but who is after something cheap and unique, will sure spot some interesting offers. And sometimes those offers even come to you. It is after all a bazaar. People try hard to sell sometimes. And so I am approached by an Armenian jewelry maker. "Let me tell you something." He starts a conversation. I am waiting for a life changing advice from an old man. But instead he shows me some of his products. For you, he sais. I don't wear jewelry, I respond. For your mother. No, thank you.
I than ask him for silver coins of some sort. He only has some historical pocket change of little to no value than a collector's item.
The bazaar is really full of interesting things, but mostly useless. Space occupiers and dust collectors. But one can sure find some interesting sweets, tea collections and such...
Finally getting out on the streets again and it started to rain. Well it was a time to look for a teahouse. After few corners and streets full of clothes stores I did find some very hidden place, which looked like a garage, next to a restaurant. But they did sold me cup of tea for 3 Turkish liras and I could sit at the restaurants terrace to drink it. You know, tea in Turkey is a big deal right. Served multiple times a day, one thinks locals drink as much of it as Georgians drink wine.
From colorful bazaar and the streets nearby I am suddenly in very grey area of Istanbul and the rain even intensifies the feeling. As I wander back to my hostel I take some rather depressing pictures.
To finish on more positive note, I was quite surprised of a store openly selling quite sexy underwear. Who would have expect it in a Muslim country. Well it only shows that secularism is still present and Europeans, used to their customs don't necessarily have to feel too foreign here.
All the best,
Global Local