Istanbul Trip, April 2007 - SP trying to catch a free ride

After we've crossed the Galata Bridge, we got off at the first tram stop, Karaköy.

Then, we realise that to get to Taskim Square and the Galata Tower, it's a real 'uphill battle'.

SP and I made the decision to conserve energy, so we took a recommendation from a passer-by and took a ride on the 'historic' Tünel (subway). The Tünel has two stations only and it is really a means of transportation from Point A (lower ground) to Point B (higher ground). The uphill track climbs about 60 metres and it is approximately 573 meters, so the journey only takes 1.5 minute! The 'historic' part refers to the Tünel being the second-oldest operating subway line in the world. However, coming from the London, which has the oldest subway in the world, the subway doesn't appear to be so special.

Once we've got to the other end, we realise that there is still a fair bit of walking on the famous shopping street, İstiklal Caddesi, to get to Taksim Square. We saw people waiting for another 'historic' tram, so we stood in line. The journey up was uneventful On the way down, we decided to walk.

We couldn't find any bargains in the shops on the İstiklal Caddesi. In fact, things are rather expensive! So we only took photos in the end!

SP saw local kids trying to catch a ride on the tram for free by jumping onto the back of the tram. SP, being the big kid he is, wanted to join in and we have the incident captured on photo.

Success!

However, SP is not exactly small like the other kids, so he got told off by the tram driver.

Another kid got onto the tram in place of SP. Look at that grin on his face! haha