Best of Istanbul (Part 2/3)

We stayed in a small 2-bedroom flat in the Beyoglu-Galata neighborhood all 6 nights--I highly recommend the area for a longer stay. We ended up going into the Sultanahmet almost every day for sight-seeing, but it was worth staying on the neighborhood-y side, closer to the Istikal and other more interesting neighborhoods.

Ok, here's the next top 10...

1. the gardens and view of the Blue Mosque (not worth the queue to go in)
2. wandering the streets around the Spice Bazaar and the "New" Mosque (from the 1500s)
3. chowing fresh fish sandwiches at the Galata Bridge
4. watching people drink the pickle juice with their fish sandwiches (no thanks)
5. walking the cozy streets of the Cihangir neighborhood
6. finding a small deli for mezes and beer
7. admiring the SF-like homes of Cihangir (with plenty of hanging laundry)
8. wandering through the vintage shops in Cukurcuma
9. ending up on the Istikal, seemingly out of nowhere
10. sunset drinks at Mikla

  

Best of Istanbul (Part 1/3)

When my parents asked if we wanted to meet up in Istanbul, we jumped on the chance and opted for a full 6 nights in the city with 7 hills (just like SF). Who wouldn't, right? Plus I always love flying Turkish Air.

I was in Istanbul with a dear friend a few years ago, but we only had 3 days to explore the massive city. Though I saw most of the heavy-hitting sites back then, I was more than ok to see them all again. This time, I was determined to see the outer-lying neighborhoods and maybe even explore the Asian side.
Istanbul is a magical city. Vibrant, exciting, and full of contradiction. Old and new. Asia and Europe. Islam and Christian. The Euro and the Lira. East and West. Poverty and wealth. It's difficult to describe, you just have to go. Before it all changes.

The first audible sign you're in a totally different place is of course the 4am call to prayer. Gets you every time. It woke us up the first two or three nights, but then it just falls into your dreams.

I have so many shots of the city and people, I don't want to bore you with words. Here's my top ten for part 1. Don't hold your breath, there are 3 parts to this blog...

1. the stunning produce at every little vegetable stand, including the one outside our doorstep
2. Galata Bridge fisherman-watching
3. fresh simit (sesame-bagel thing) from a street vendor

4. the Süleymaniye Mosque

5. shopping at the Grand Bazaar, say no more ... and allow 2 days

6. ice cold Sirma lemon drink, accompanied by kebab

7. Turkish coffee: sitting on a stool in the middle of a busy intersection of the Bazaar

8. a walk/tram up to Kabataş, along the Bosphorus

9. Turkish tea with a view of the Bosphorus + daily dose of baklava

10. Stroll down the Istikal, enjoy the madness

A day for a Queen!

Celebrating Queen's Day on April 30 is one of my favorite holidays of all time. And this Queen's Day was the last one! Queen Beatrix has held the throne for about 30 years. Before her, Queen Juliana. Before her, Queen Wilhelmina. Now, we have a King! King Willem-Alexander. Next year, King's Day will be on April 27, the new King's birthday.



Queen's Day is just a super day. It starts early in the morning with garage sales. It's the only day out of the year when you don't need a permit to sell your goods (or services or talents). If you take the time, you can find some great deals.

The sidewalks are full of people selling things (anything from old records, books, clothes, to homemade cakes and cookies) and the parks are full of parents and kids, also selling things like their old toys. Lots of youngsters trying to make some money playing their musical instrument, painting nails, doing silly dances, etc. It's hilarious and super cute.



In the afternoon, street parties take over the city. Bands and DJs take over the plazas. And boats take over the canals. It's a sight to see. Everyone is having a good time. Hoera!

Cologne? That smells nice!

On Wednesday before Christmas I found out that Friday was the last night of the Christmas markets in Germany. So at the very last minute, Elliot and I booked a cheap hotel and jumped on a Friday train headed towards Cologne, Germany.

After the 4-hr train ride, we arrived around 4pm. Coming into Cologne by train offers a dramatic entrance to the city with the view of the Rhine River and the enormous cathedral in the background. We checked into our hotel and then hit the markets. I think there were about 8 or 9 Christmas markets scattered all over the city; I thought we'd get to 2 or 3, max.