Tal: Izlet v Istanbul

Hagia Sophia

REPORT ON THE TRIP TO ISTANBUL

Introduction

I am a student at Gimnazija Jesenice and am writing this report to be published on our group internet site as part of ITS. The report talks about our trip to Istanbul and our stay there.

Organisation

The excursion was organised by Mirjam Martinuč Bernard and Nataša Meglič in cooperation with travel agency Oskar. 35 students participated as it was rather expensive at 530€ for the plane ticket, 3-day accommodation with breakfast and tourist attraction passes. Our group was accompanied by one local and one Slovenian guide.

Getting there and around

The trip began at 4am with a lengthy bus drive to Zagreb Airport where our group boarded a 2-hour flight to Istanbul. A bus was already waiting at the airport and took participants to the city centre. Although travelling by public transport is easy in Istanbul, the travel agency Oskar prefers getting around by coach. Nevertheless, students still experienced everyday life by taking a tram to the port and a boat over the Bosphorus. Furthermore, teenagers were given some free time at the airports to explore and learn about travelling.

Historical and cultural sights

A visit of every major historical and cultural site like Hagia Sophia, The Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, Basilica Cistern was organised. Additionally, students were allowed to explore the streets on their own and experience the rush of crowded Middle East streets and smells of the local covered markets named bazaars. Most students were astounded at the local daily life, tradition and habits.

Accommodation

Our group stayed at a family hostel within 500m of the main square so we experienced the city throb in the best way possible. The rooms were relatively clean and pleasant and guests were able to grab something to eat at the bar downstairs.

Food

Turkish cuisine is rich, nutritious and appetizing. It is renowned for some signature dishes such as different kinds of kebab, pide and sutlac to name a few. Students were left to explore it on their own and most tried all of the dishes listed above. Surprisingly, some simply went to McDonalds and completely ignored tradition.

My thoughts and suggestions

All in all, I think that it was interesting, fun and complete trip. I enjoyed exploring a different culture and I think the trip received mostly positive feedback. If I were to criticise it, I would point out the almost outrageous price and lack of free time. I believe that in order to experience a city, you have to wonder around its street on your own intuition, maybe get lost and then ask for directions. That is one of the best ways to learn about a different culture and some of that was taken away from us.