Today, I went out with my housemates to the Princes' Islands. I was really curious about the islands as someone told me these islands are the same as the Greek islands. Since I've never been to Greece, it sounds like fun to be in Istanbul and yet get to experience a little of Greece.

It is pretty convenient to visit the islands as there are ferry routes connecting a few places on mainland Istanbul to 4 of the Princes' Islands. We took a ferry and got off at Kınalıada, the first island on the route.


My housemates sat by the beach while I walked around. After 15 minutes, I decided that Kınalıada was too boring. I checked my Lonely Planet guidebook, and after reading the descriptions on the Princes' Islands, it seems to me that the description of one of the islands, Büyükada, is the most interesting. My housemates didn't want to leave, so I went to Büyükada on my own.

I got brief views of the other islands as well, as Büyükada is the last island on the route.





I decided to follow the guidebook's advice and visit the Greek Monastery of St George. The guidebook says it will take at least 1 hour to reach monastery by walking. I could have rented a bike or rode a horse carriage, but at that time I believed I needed a workout.

So I went along the road, passing by many impressive houses with beautiful gardens.


The 1 hour uphill walk proved to be a very tough walk that definitely worked my leg muscles well.

And at the end, I saw the monastery that I walked so hard and long for.


According to Lonely Planet, the monastery isn't the main reason to walk up the hill. The view from the top of the hill should be the real motivation.

I walked a little down the hill, but after that, I decided that I was too tired to walk all the way back. So, I rode a horse carriage back :)

While on the ride back, it dawned on me that I forgot to check the ferry schedule. Luck was not on my side though, I had to take a ferry that brought me to a different place on mainland Istanbul. Since it was already 845pm, I just got into a taxi to get home.

After a day of fun and workout, I realized I have not talked about work at all this week. I'll probably update about what I've been doing at work soon :)

Signed off by Priscilla