Mummies, baklava and fish sandwich...last rites of Istanbul

What does one do on their last day in Istanbul? When you know you fly out in the late afternoon it's kind of weird filling in your day. But I had two things left on my Istanbul to do list. One: the Archaeology Museum. Two: Baklava.

It is another sunny day in Istanbul and I know that it will be quite some time before I experience this kind of warmth again.

After a slow morning where I miraculously fit EVERYTHING in my pack, I treated myself to an espresso macchiato which was more like a very small cappuccino. Still, it was real coffee! I can already hear the sound of the espresso machine at home as I make my strong, skinny soy latte... And it won't cost me 5.50TYL! But then I did get to listen to some Ben Harper this morning whilst I was there and have the coffee guy keep asking me if I understood what he was saying, which was pretty much 'can you understand?' I certainly could understand that.

Off to the Archaeology Museum I go. Along with about seven classrooms of eight year olds. I am soooo glad I made it there. Only 10TYL and I loved it. I kept snapping and snapping away and I literally have 1 photo left on my camera. Just one. So I better not see anything else worth taking a photo of. Also scattered around the museum were art students which gave the place a 'living art' feel. I am again amazed at the museums in Turkey. You can touch nearly everything. Well you are allowed to but I just couldn't do it. In some parts you were not able to take photos with a flash or with a tripod. Which of course basically meant that if you don't have a steady hand...very blurry (or I like to call them artistic) shots is all you get.

In the early afternoon I wandered across the Galata bridge with the anticipation of baklava spurring me on. And of course it was worth it!!! A box to take home and two to indulge on the spot. It is my last day after all. On the way back I grabbed a fish sandwich from the dramatically rocking fishing boat on the water. After eradicating the smell of fish from my hands I began to stroll through the masses of people. Where would I spend my last remaining hours in Istanbul?

Back to my favourite hiatus. Gulhane (Gool-hahn-e) Park. Again there were kids everywhere but they didn't hound me this time. Instead their laughter and squeals of delight added to the atmosphere. A few texts from home and I am ready to jump on that plane. Mum tells me there may be a delay at the end due to the swine flu panic. Lucky for me I'm as healthy as a horse...well, an Australian horse not one from the Princes' Islands.

Wandering through the market area I'm not hassled any more as they seem to know I'm not buying. I go to my local supermarket (really more like a milk bar) and he again gives me a free gift with such enthusiasm - more dental gum! Not sure if he is trying to tell me something.

Back to the hostel - my bags are still there in the cleaners room. And here I sit waiting for my shuttle bus to arrive. I can't believe it is almost over. This trip has exceeded my expectations - which were pretty high!