Grand day in Istanbul

I have never imagined in my whole life that someday I would celebrate my birthday in this beautiful and charming city.    And here I am, with the people that matter to me the most, enjoying two opposites,  a simple day and yet grand in a way, considering that we are in Istanbul.

Good morning Istanbul

Let’s start with a good breakfast.

My son didn’t join us for breakfast to catch up on sleep.  He still has jeetlag from his US trip.

Honey, to make me sweeter and my sugar higher.

Olives are ordinary staple here, Turkey being a primary producer of olives.

Ano kaya ito? They’re cooking  it right there.

Our tour group is leaving for Manila at 2 pm today and they are making a two hour last minute shopping.

We’re riding with them to the old city where the Grand Bazaar is located.  The bus would bring us back to the hotel at 11 am.

Susan Dimacali, Ramon Dimacali, and Nadine Chua

Chona Jacinto, Jean Melody Quiazon, Salvacion Cataluna, Evangeline Quiazon

Joaquin Carlos Uy and Francisco Papa, Jr.

Today’s first destination is the Grand Bazaar.

I am going to buy something cute for myself, maybe a small exotic decor for our house as a souvenir from Turkey, and as a remembrance of spending my birthday here.

I bought one plate in Artemis a few days ago for 60TL, napamahal yata ako. Susan and Nadine bought a lot and they assured me the price was 100YL down to 60 Lira for the quantity discount.
Eh eto 22 Lira lang!

Nagkang-lilitaw na ang briefs nito sa kababalot ng pinggan. Brisk business. He should splurge a bit on a dozen new briefs at gula-gulanit na ang salawal nya. Gwapo pa mandin, kahawig ni Irmaz Bektas.

One trip to WC before getting on the bus. Baka ma-traffic uli kami, para sigurado.
I paid one Lira. Inis ako dun sa European tourist. I was still inside eh she stuck her head out to check if someone was there. Ang tangkad kasi nya, para syang giraffe. Aawayin ko sana,  naalala ko lang na birthday ko ngayon.

My own video clips were blurred. I replaced it with this video tour of the Grand Bazaar by professional tour guide Saffet Ernie Tonguc.

Thank you Lord for this day.

A Happy Happy Birthday to me.