My husband and I are not ones to waste time when we're traveling. We want to see as much as we can, imbibe as much of the beauty as we can, explore as much as we can when we're in a new place. Upon landing we headed straight to Taksim Square where my parents and siblings were waiting for us. Once at Taksim every where you look around you see sights reminiscent of the Ottoman empire - a tourist's delight. We walked from the main square to Istaklal Avenue; a pedestrian street with shops, boutiques, restaurants, art galleries, cinemas etc. running along both sides. The street has a very festive look about it, the lights especially pretty. A quaint old fashioned tram running down the center of the street all the way to Galata Tower. Don't forget to have the roasted chestnuts from one of the hawkers and the very popular dondurma - sticky ice cream which is sold amidst a lot of fanfare, a show put on by the seller where he interacts and presents the ice cream to attract and engage potential customers and onlookers. We ate at a restaurant on Istaklal called konak, which served local Turkish cuisine, mostly barbecue, lamb being very popular. Don't forget to check your bill. An entire day can be spent around the Taksim Square and Istaklal. Walk all the way to the Galata Tower.
Good place to eat at near Istaklal is a Sushi bar and Japanese restaurant called Tokyo. Good food and a very friendly place.
Tip: Don't forget to pack sneakers or good quality comfy walking shoes.
Day 2: A trip to the Princes' Islands off the coast of Istanbul, called Adalar Islands in Turkish. We took a ferry to the largest of the nine islands, called Buyukada. Ferry ride is shorter from the Asian side where we were staying since we were living at my brother's who chose to live far from all the tourist activity. However, the ferry ride is a treat in itself so a longer ferry ride from the European side is no trouble. First thing we do is buy big straw hats to keep off the sun and then get on horse drawn carriages that take us up one of the two peaks that make up the island. It has the most gorgeous views of the sea and the surrounding islands, some of the quaintest little houses - a photography enthusiast's dream. You can rent bicycles also to explore the island, they are easily available at hourly prices. There are hawkers every where you look; selling everything from melons to roasted chestnuts to iced almonds, evil eye bracelets and pendants to little flower tiaras, roasted corn to dondurma to buyukada souveniers to straw hats, everything under the sun, so indulge (but remember to haggle). At the islands, you can take a leisurely stroll along the marmara, finding the need to snap hundreds of pictures. Eat at one of the many restaurants; we ate at a sweet little sea food restaurant called Palka. When you feel you're too tired to walk anymore, head back to the ferry station and get back to istanbul. We spent the night sitting at a Nargile (sheesha) place by the sea, (numerous such restaurants) the weather much cooler so it was absolutely lovely.
More on Istanbul and lovely Zehila and rebellious Asya of The Bastard of Istanbul coming soon!
Good place to eat at near Istaklal is a Sushi bar and Japanese restaurant called Tokyo. Good food and a very friendly place.
Tip: Don't forget to pack sneakers or good quality comfy walking shoes.
Day 2: A trip to the Princes' Islands off the coast of Istanbul, called Adalar Islands in Turkish. We took a ferry to the largest of the nine islands, called Buyukada. Ferry ride is shorter from the Asian side where we were staying since we were living at my brother's who chose to live far from all the tourist activity. However, the ferry ride is a treat in itself so a longer ferry ride from the European side is no trouble. First thing we do is buy big straw hats to keep off the sun and then get on horse drawn carriages that take us up one of the two peaks that make up the island. It has the most gorgeous views of the sea and the surrounding islands, some of the quaintest little houses - a photography enthusiast's dream. You can rent bicycles also to explore the island, they are easily available at hourly prices. There are hawkers every where you look; selling everything from melons to roasted chestnuts to iced almonds, evil eye bracelets and pendants to little flower tiaras, roasted corn to dondurma to buyukada souveniers to straw hats, everything under the sun, so indulge (but remember to haggle). At the islands, you can take a leisurely stroll along the marmara, finding the need to snap hundreds of pictures. Eat at one of the many restaurants; we ate at a sweet little sea food restaurant called Palka. When you feel you're too tired to walk anymore, head back to the ferry station and get back to istanbul. We spent the night sitting at a Nargile (sheesha) place by the sea, (numerous such restaurants) the weather much cooler so it was absolutely lovely.
More on Istanbul and lovely Zehila and rebellious Asya of The Bastard of Istanbul coming soon!
#Travel #TNI #TravelTuesday #RTW #LP #FriFotos #BootsnAll
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