By the time we got around to writing this entry, we had been in Turkey for 3 weeks. Time just flew by, for we had fallen in love with this amazing country. Although both countries have muslim traditions, Turkey is entirely different from Morocco. In Turkey, everything is easy. The people are hospitable, the workers in hostels, shops and restaurants are incredibly friendly and the transportation system is safe and reliable – there is even WIFI on the buses! In addition, the landscape is unbelievably varied and gorgeous – from the mighty Bosphorus to the turquoise waters off the Mediterranean coast surrounded by towering mountains. This has been a place to slow down, unwind and just enjoy.
When we arrived in Istanbul by plane, it was very late and we were so happy to find that there was a special shuttle that was available for every night flight to take us into the city. How amazing is that? We found our hostel and collapsed into bed. On awakening the next morning, we headed out into the bright sunshine and it was like a fairytale. Our neighbourhood, Beyoglu, was full of quaint little restaurants and shops along cobblestone streets, evoking a European feel. On descending the hill towards the bridge that would take us into the historical part of the city called Sultanamet, the view was full of soaring minarets above the rounded shining domes of the many mosques that are found throughout the city. Istanbul is a bustling place, filled with a positive energy as people go about their daily routine and tourists walk around, gazing about themselves in amazement.
The Haga Sofia, Blue Mosque and Topaki Palace were first on our list of things to see.
We enjoyed the days just wandering the streets, eating the amazing cheap and healthy “fast food” available in the street stalls. Large sesame-seed encrusted pretzels, rice with chick peas, boiled or grilled corn on the cob, freshly grilled meat kebabs. Our favourite were the Balik (fish) sandwiches sold beside the harbour by enterprising fishermen. Made with fresh white bread, grilled onions and greens, the tasty mackerel coated with savory spices, this quickly became our daily lunch.
The fish is plentiful in the rivers off Istanbul, and every day fishermen sail out on their boats or line the bridges to try their luck at catching dinner.
The favourite pastime in Turkey is the art of relaxation practiced while smoking the Nargil (Shishah pipe) and playing backgammon. There are cosy cafés in nooks throughout the city where one can sit, relax and enjoy the view while sipping on a strong brew of Turkish coffee or the popular Turkish tea.
We spent some time around the base of the Galata Tower, a favourite hanging out spot for young and old to sit, enjoy a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice or share a bottle of wine into the night.
Our Irish friends that we travelled with in Argentina on the road trip, Deirdre and Ritchie, connected us with Deirdre’s sister Orla. She lives in Istanbul and is married to a Turkish man, Gurkan. We made plans for dinner and met up one night close to our hostel in one of the meze restaurants. Meze is the Turkish word for tapas, and they are a very popular way to enjoy the many tasty Turkish dishes. They are often accompanied by the national drink, Raki, which is very similar to the Greek drink Ouzo, made out of anise seeds. This is especially good with salty cheese and fish – yum! We spent five hours chatting the night away over food and drinks, and then headed out for some more drinks on the small side streets filled with cool little bars. We had a wonderful time, and Orla and Gurken offered to take us out for a trip on the Bosphorus the next day.
After meeting the next morning the four of us started the day visiting one of the best places to eat the popular pastry, Baklava. This place had more than fifty different kinds, and was a treat for the taste buds.
We headed over to the harbour where we both patiently awaited to board one of the very full, touristy ferries that motor down the Bosphorus every day. So you can imagine our surprise when Orla and Gurkan headed the opposite way, and suddenly a beautiful yacht appeared in the harbour...
Sure enough, when it pulled up they invited us onboard – this was the boat we would cruising on all day! Orla and Gurkan own a tourism company and the boat is for tourists to rent out private trips on the Borsphorus. We were lucky that the boat was free that day, and they were incredibly kind in treating us to an unforgettable experience. Their co-worker and friend joined us for the ride. We lounged on the leather seats while the pilot and his assistant tended to our every need.
The houses along the river were opulent, and a feast for the eyes. We stopped in a quiet bay to swim and fish, and enjoyed the sunbeds on the front of the boat.
We then headed over to a quaint little fishing village near to where the Bosphorus meets the Black Sea. There we pulled up to a fishing boat, and were handed platters of grilled fish and calamari, fresh salad and warm bread for our lunch. While eating in a quiet harbour with azure waters our afternoon entertainment arrived right on schedule - a group of dolphins frolicking near the boat! Now that’s one great tour. Thank you Orla and Gurkan for an unforgettable day!
Patricia took advantage of some connections through a medical colleague to visit the Rehabilitation Center in Istanbul. It was a fantastic opportunity to see how her specialty is practiced in another country, and the people working there were very welcoming.
No visit to Istanbul is complete without a visit to the Bazaar. It is a shopper’s dream, especially for those with a penchant for interior decorating. Beautiful coloured glass lanterns, silk patterned Turkish carpets, and hand embroidered pillow cases are just a few of the items that benefit from the unique mix of European and Asian influences on the arts and crafts of Turkey.
We spent eight glorious days in Istanbul, but finally had to leave the bustling city to explore the Mediterranean coast dotted with old Grecian, Roman and Lycian ruins and endless pristine beaches…yay!
The Haga Sofia, Blue Mosque and Topaki Palace were first on our list of things to see.
The fish is plentiful in the rivers off Istanbul, and every day fishermen sail out on their boats or line the bridges to try their luck at catching dinner.
The favourite pastime in Turkey is the art of relaxation practiced while smoking the Nargil (Shishah pipe) and playing backgammon. There are cosy cafés in nooks throughout the city where one can sit, relax and enjoy the view while sipping on a strong brew of Turkish coffee or the popular Turkish tea.
We spent some time around the base of the Galata Tower, a favourite hanging out spot for young and old to sit, enjoy a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice or share a bottle of wine into the night.
We headed over to the harbour where we both patiently awaited to board one of the very full, touristy ferries that motor down the Bosphorus every day. So you can imagine our surprise when Orla and Gurkan headed the opposite way, and suddenly a beautiful yacht appeared in the harbour...
Sure enough, when it pulled up they invited us onboard – this was the boat we would cruising on all day! Orla and Gurkan own a tourism company and the boat is for tourists to rent out private trips on the Borsphorus. We were lucky that the boat was free that day, and they were incredibly kind in treating us to an unforgettable experience. Their co-worker and friend joined us for the ride. We lounged on the leather seats while the pilot and his assistant tended to our every need.
The houses along the river were opulent, and a feast for the eyes. We stopped in a quiet bay to swim and fish, and enjoyed the sunbeds on the front of the boat.
Patricia took advantage of some connections through a medical colleague to visit the Rehabilitation Center in Istanbul. It was a fantastic opportunity to see how her specialty is practiced in another country, and the people working there were very welcoming.
No visit to Istanbul is complete without a visit to the Bazaar. It is a shopper’s dream, especially for those with a penchant for interior decorating. Beautiful coloured glass lanterns, silk patterned Turkish carpets, and hand embroidered pillow cases are just a few of the items that benefit from the unique mix of European and Asian influences on the arts and crafts of Turkey.
We spent eight glorious days in Istanbul, but finally had to leave the bustling city to explore the Mediterranean coast dotted with old Grecian, Roman and Lycian ruins and endless pristine beaches…yay!
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