We’re glad to be back in one of our favorite cities in the world. Enjoying kebab, Turkish coffee and Turkish delights.

Gelato vendor serving up some tricks! 

Turkish are proud of their flag and proud of what it represents. I see Turkish flags everywhere in Istanbul. They had some rough times a few months ago, the airport bombing and the failed coup d'etat. But they’ve recovered fast. On our last day in Istanbul, I wore a Turkish flag shirt. Because I like what the crescent and star represent. Almost every Turkish I met gave me a smile or thanked me for wearing it. 

We had a wonderful time in Istanbul. People were nice and friendly. Hope to visit it again next year.

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My First Turkish Hamam Experience

Visiting Hagia Sophia

The Blue Mosque Visit

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After 12 hours of flying from Houston to Istanbul, all I wanted to do was to have a relaxing Turkish massage. That is one thing I was looking forward to. First, I needed to decide whether I want to visit a historical hamam or a Turkish bath. The hotel I was staying at gave me brochures of Turkish bathhouses and suggested I try the Ottoman Hamam because it is historical and within walking distance.

So I went. Upon entering the establishment, I had to select and pay for the service of my choice. I picked the traditional style service. This service, the attendant will wash and massage you for about 15 minutes which I thought is the real Turkish hamam experience. I was then escorted to a changing room where I was told to get butt naked and wrap myself in a sarong. I obliged and was then shown to the first room. It was a splendid large atrium completely covered in marble featuring a big dome with a few old Turkish men sitting along the walls dousing themselves with warm water. The host then instructed me to head to the sauna to relax and loosen up for a little bit then come back out and wash myself. I entered the sauna and my breath was sucked out of me. That hell of a place had to be 150°F. I sat down and tried to relax as my pores burst open and I began sweating more than I did my whole life. 

After about 3 minutes, I decided I best get out before I pass out and headed back to the large room. I slowly crept towards the marble slab. The first part of the service took place on the side of the central platform. The attendant soaked my body with warm water and lathered me with a sudsy swab and began ruthlessly kneading my shoulders and working his way down my back and all the way to my feet. The onslaught continued. I was wincing in pain as he squeezed my skin with the force of a wrestler. The words “no pain, no gain” flashed through my mind. 

The next part involved body contortions. My ankle was grabbed as well as my hand and the two were brought as close to touching as my beaten body would permit. I yelped in pain. He then did the same thing to my other side and I felt my spine cracked as my back was twisted even further.  After about 15 minutes of evilly manipulating me, he then brought me over to the side of the room where he threw more buckets of water on me. I was crumbled! 

After the washing up and massage, it was time for the scrubbing. The attendant took out a fresh washcloth and started scrubbing or should I say sandpapering my whole body. After that, I received another soapy wash up followed by a rinsing session. He then sent me into the cooling bath which was basically just a cave with a bunch of naked dudes swimming around in it like toddlers. I jumped in to wash off the violation I had just endured and then climbed out as quickly as possible. Just when I thought everything was over, I was hand-dried by two hairy men with towels and then handed a glass of Turkish tea by a smirking teenager. He obviously knew what I had just gone through.

While the Hamam was an experience, I don’t know if I’ll ever go back. Actually, I know I will. I guess it’s just part of embracing the culture. Isn’t it? It’s amazing to think that this ancient tradition has been carried on for centuries now.

Honestly, I felt great, refreshed and extremely cleaner than I can remember ever being. 

It was then time to venture back to the exciting city of Istanbul for more history, art, food and culture.

Since I couldn’t take pictures of the Turkish Hamam, I shamelessly borrowed picture from google. Just for you to get the idea, right?

Click on links below to read more:

Visiting Hagia Sophia

The Blue Mosque Visit

I thought it would be a waste of time and money to watch Turkish men clad in a long white skirt with a funny hat whirling for half an hour. But I was wrong. The centuries-old spiritual performance with graceful choreography accompanied by soothing music praising God played by the orchestra, was absolutely hypnotic and soul uplifting. Now, I'm interested to know more about Sufism. 

I was amazed on how they can whirl non-stop for 30 minutes without getting dizzy. I got dizzy for a little bit by just watching. This show is a must see!