Today was our last official day in Turkey.

After 5 days in Istanbul, it was time to move on to our next destination for this 6 week trip around the Balkans.

We didn’t have to leave for the airport until 1pm so we still had some time left in Istanbul this morning.

The Blue Mosque

We set the alarm early to avoid the lines at the mosque.

It’s located just a 10 minute walk from where we were staying so at just after 8am, we headed over to the mosque for its’ 8:30 opening.

Sure enough, there was no line.   I think there were probably around two dozen people there and we easily got into the mosque quickly.

Before entering you have to be dressed appropriately.   This meant, despite the 26C temperature and the 80% humidity, both Nathan and I were wearing pants this morning.

Also, we had to remove our shoes while in the mosque as well.

Inside is just beautiful.   The architecture is amazing and it’s just so peaceful in there.

After taking a few photos and videos, I came upon a bookshelf with copies of the Quran in different languages for free.

Well, yes, please.

I mean, I’m not religious at all but that doesn’t mean I don’t respect others and their faiths.

In fact, I’ve probably gone to more mosques, temples, and churches than many atheists out there.

I have actually been to Easter Sunday Mass at the Vatican which, again despite me not being religious, was a truly awe-inspiring moment to be part of.

Anyway, after touring the mosque, we headed back to the hostel.

Checkout was at 11am and we had a good hour and a half to cool off before heading out again.

Breakfast

If you’ve been a regular reader of this blog, you’ll have noticed a strong focus on food I eat and experience while traveling.

It’s a big part of why I travel.   Not only do I love seeing all the different sites and going on different adventures, but I love trying new and unique local dishes.

Well, today, we went back to the breakfast place we had been on the previous two mornings.

We did try to, albeit briefly, look for another spot nearby to have some variety but in the end we settled into the same restaurant.

It was Sucuk Tava and Menemen for me again today.

So damn good!

We were done breakfast at just after noon and decided that we may as well just head to the airport early and get in the nice air conditioning.

At the airport

To get to the airport, we took an hour long metro ride from one terminus to the other.

By 1:30 we arrived and, just a short half hour later, we were through customs and security.

We had two hours before I flight left so we spent the time playing cribbage.

I had played years ago and could vaguely remember the rules but, of course, Nathan beat me cause I’m essentaly a noob at it.

There will be many future games for me to catch up though…

Of course our flight was delayed a half hour cause, well that’s just always a thing, it seems.

Finally, at 5pm, our hour long flight to Bucharest, Romania boarded.

I was randomly assigned a window seat but after we took off I noticed there was a whole empty emergency exit row 2 row behind me.

Naturally, I asked the flight attendant if I could move there and, sure enough, I had a whole row and some major legroom to myself.   Shame it was only an hour flight, but I’ll take the small victories when I can get them.

Fountain Light Show

After clearing customs and an hour bus ride from the airport, we finally arrived at the hostel at 8pm.

It was a quick checkin and trip back out into the city as there was a Fountain Music and Light show in the main square tonight.

The show runs every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 9:00 til 9:45.

We got there and there were thousands of people waiting for the show to begin.

It.
Was.
Spectacular.

I mean, just look for yourself – there’s photos and videos at the bottom of this post.

It kind of reminded me of a fireworks show but with fountains instead.

I love these kind of moments because you just kind of sit back and take in the beauty while you contemplate everything going on in your life whether it be back in my “real” life or thinking about how fortunate I am to go traveling to all these amazing places.

After the show, we walked over to a restaurant the guy at the hostel recommended for authentic Romanian food.

It was a bit pricy but it definitely was genuine Romanian food.

I started my meal with Carp Roe Salad which sounded different so I decided to try it.   I thought it would be some kind of salad but it was almost like a dip.   I still have no idea what it actually was.

For dinner, I had Sarmale (cabbage rolls) and Mămăligă (polenta) along with a glass of Bran Plum Palinka.

If you’re not used to strong drinks, I suggest you don’t get the Plum drink.   It was soooo strong.   I could only muster a couple sips and each time my facial expressions but have been crazy because Nathan broke out laughing when I did them.

Anyway, the meal was great.   Sure it was a bit pricey but I wanted authentic Romanian food and that’s what I got.

At just before midnight we finally arrived back at the hostel.

It had been a long day.

It’s crazy to think we had started the day at the Blue Mosque in Istanbul and ended up watching a Fountain Show in Bucharest.

That’s the beauty of traveling though – you never know what the day will bring…