Throne room in Topkapi's harem.
Istanbul – the only city to span two continents, spreads charm as thick as hummus in all directions. Situated on the Bosphorus bridging two major bodies of water, Istanbul has been a trading center for centuries. On the edge of both Europe and Asia, everything about Istanbul is a little confused. Desperately trying to join the European Union, it defies letting go of its Asian side, its quirky side. For a look into the past as well as a splash right into modern life, the European side has plenty to offer, but if you want take a glance into Turkish life, Asia is where it’s at.
Whether you’re looking for history or just a night on the town, Istanbul delivers. Experience life of the sultans at Top Kapi, enjoy a dondurma right in the middle of Sultan Ahmet, explore one of the oldest and most important religious buildings of all time -Hagia Sophia, and discover other treasures such as the Blue Mosque and Rumeli Hisari.
After a semi-restful night on the train from Ankara, we arrived, had some breakie, dropped off our bags, then headed out for one of those touring days that just never ends. Istanbul is one of the most exciting, exotic, diverse, friendliest places on earth, but argh…is there ever a lot to see and do….and we wanted to show the girls it all!
After living in Turkey for almost one year, I have to admit the entry fees and constant barrage of touts was wearing thin quick. You just don’t really experience that too many places, and it’s sooooo unnecessary. The best way to deal with them is not to engage them in any way.
The girls were impressed at the deals I was getting in the Grand Bazaar since I could speak some Turkish. At one stall, the vendor kept lowering his prices on t-shirts, and we kept walking away until in Turkish he said he would sell me two for 15 tl. , a “special” price. Of course, I took him up on it. He did try to weasel out of it later, but I didn’t let him.
Boys in the circumcision costumes.
Here are a few pics of our few days in the city. To see more, please visit www.reflectionsenroute.com .