I admit, I have a travel bug that starts itching every 6 months or so, urging me to get on a plane to a new destination for a little adventure, discovery, culture, and excitement.
After London, Spain, London again, came Istanbul, the land of Mosques, Palaces, Islands, and the Bosphorus.
Istanbul is one big haven for those who enjoy museums, historical monuments, nature, the sea, shopping, and food… you name it, Istanbul has it! Our city tour included two cruises, one around the Bosphosus strait and another to the Prince’s Island (Turkish: BUYUK ADA – Big Island), Dolmabahce Palace, Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, also known as Sultan Ahmet Mosque, and Topkapi Palace.
Don’t ask me for a favorite, because each site has its own awe and story to tell.
Luckily, you can go to wikipedia and get all the details you want about those places, but what people won’t tell you about Istanbul is:
1. Never stick to the price that’s on the price tag, especially when you’re buying from street vendors and local shops. If the price tag says 10 Turkish Lira, say 5 TL and keep bargaining until they refuse to sell you, and then pay the final, lowest price given.
2. Never get into a cab unless they have a meter; if they don’t then make sure you agree on the toll before you get in, because you could end up paying 35 TL for a 11 TL ride.
3. Avoid using the Metro, Tramway, and Funicular unless your life depends on it because, unlike London, Madrid, and Barcelona, Istanbul doesn’t seem to have specific rush hours. Those means of transportation are always fully packed to the extent that you’ll be gasping for breath and screaming “Speed Stick”!
4. It is an absolute must to learn a few basic Turkish terms because most of the population doesn’t speak or understand English.
5. If you’re on a diet, or a vegetarian, you’ll be missing out on a lot of delicious food, especially the best Kofta and Yogurt in the world. Seriously, I’m originally Lebanese, and Kofta is part of our traditional cuisine, but the Turkish Kofta is to die for.
6. If you go to Ortakoy (the sea side area under the Golden Horn Bridge) and don’t try the Kumpir (Backed Potato – Turkish Style), and the waffles, you might as well not have gone the trip in the first place!
7. Try to forget sleeping, use coffee, Redbull, or a lot of sugar, because if you go to sleep you will definitely be missing the endless buzzing streets, especially Taksim Square and Istiklal Street that seems to be swarming with locals, tourists, vendors… all day, all night!
*Sigh*, I just can’t wait for my next trip… perhaps the Far East?
