AlexSunrise
3449
Tastes and Sights of Istanbul
Feb 15, 2015,22:49 PM
Dear Friends,
This past November I was fortunate enough to celebrate my birthday in the beautiful city of Istanbul.
Here are some of the sights and tastes for you to enjoy ;-)
Apologies for the pictures for not being in chronological order. I will, however, describe them in the best possible way.
Our first morning in Istanbul, walking down Istikal Street, where this old style tram serves as a means to get up from Galata Tower all the way to Taksim Square.
On our walk down to Old Town, we came across what could be assessed as the world´s biggest kebob.
A view of Galata Tower.
The view of some of the narrow streets in Istanbul.
Before making our way across Galata Bridge.
Galata bridge is flanked by a countless fishermen, some of which showcase and sell their catch.
One of the entrances to the Spice Bazaar
Inside the Spice Bazaar.
A breathtaking view of Sultan Ahmet Mosque
Aya Sofia Museum.
Again, Sultan Ahment Mosque, also known as the Blue Mosque for the color of the tile.
The courtyard of the Blue Mosque.
Inside the beautiful Blue Mosque
A walk around the Hippodrome
And one of my most anticipated visits. I grew up with memories of the Basilica Cistern thanks to James Bond´s From Russia With Love. Walking around the cistern, I could envision Pedro Armendariz and Sean Connery in the raft in one of the scenes of the movie. Really cool for sure! If only Tatiana Romanova would have been nearby ;-)
Next stop, Topkapi Palace
Some views from the Harem Section...
And the grounds, with their breathtaking views to the sea of Marmara.
A view of Old Town from the ¨Modern¨side.
The following morning, as we walked to Dolmabahce Palace...
We were in the midst of the Istanbul Marathon
The Mosque outside Dolmabahce Palace
And the gates leading to the Palace
Impeccable grounds
Unfortunately, no photographs of the opulent inside of the palace where allowed. I will tell you that it is breathtaking and awe inspiring!
Afterwards, we took a walk to nearby Besiktas neighborhood and stumbled upon their fish market.
A view of Istikal Cadessi, a pedestrian and tram only street which serves as a main artery for many locals and visitors alike. A sea of people, and an avenue filled with countless businesses going anywhere from restaurants, cafes, and nightclubs.
A view to Asia from the Örtakoy. A mellow neighborhood northeast of Istanbul, where one can really benefit from the slower pace of things.
Simply beautiful and utterly pleasant….
Örtakoy is also famous for the kumpir, which is stuffed baked potato. Naturally, we had to try it.
.
In the stalls you are given a wide variety of toppings, but in our case, I think we went on the safer choices.
After which, it was only natural to wash down the kumpir with a local brew...
And a coffee to regain energy.
A view of Aya Sofia from the inside. Simply stunning, regardless of the conservation work being done.
And now, a cruise of the Bosphorus, with views of Dolmabahce Palace from the other side...
The bustling city of Istabul...
The fortress of Europe...
A serene sundown...
And the Maiden´s Tower! Another memorable locale for James Bond´s films. This one being featured in the more recent The World is Not Enough.
Now, onto the tastes….
Typical mezzo with parsley salad, roasted red peppers, feta cheese custard, and a yogurt salad similar to tzatziki.
Of course with some rice stuffed mussels. A quintessential street food in Istanbul.
All being enjoyed with a cold Efes beer.
After a visit to the Grand Bazaar, this snack was in order. And a prequel to...
A most welcoming surprise. A fabulous pizza place next door to the hotel! In which dinner begun with a bottle of the local house wine...
Mixed green salad with cheese from Izmir...
And a super tasty pie with more greens
Followed by a calzone filled with nutella and cheese. I still have dreams about this dessert!
On another night, a visit to a traditional kebob place was in order. The mix platter was to be enjoyed, and was it ever!!! The best meal of the trip!!! Skewers of chicken, beef, beef liver, lamb, and chicken wings deliciously marinated and cooked to perfection!
Before that Sultan´s meal, I did opened up my appetite with this wet hamburger. It is a staple of Istabul´s street food, and as such, had to try it. It tastes like a $0.99 USD hamburger from McDonald´s dipped in tomato juice. Tasty, yes, but I guess I just wasn'´t drunk enough to really enjoy it.
The following morning it was a time for celebration, as it was my birthday, so we headed to Van Kahvalti for a typical Turkish breakfast., comprised of olives, tomatoes, cheese, honey, clotted cream, cucumber, bread, and some eggs with pastrami. Simply out of this world!!! And do take my word as I am never into breakfasts, but for this one, I could definitely grow accustomed to.
And...
One last meal in Istanbul. Another traditional mezze. Fresh and delicious. A perfect way to celebrate!!!
Unfortunately afterwards I was too full to enjoy a taste of this treat
Finally, one last beverage before boarding and heading back home..
I hope you all enjoyed this little pictorial as much as I did sharing it with all of you.
If you have the curiosity of visiting Istanbul sometime in the future, please do so!!! You will enjoy it profoundly!
Cheers and happy travels to all,
Alex
This message has been edited by AlexSunrise on 2015-02-15 22:54:28