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.

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.

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.

A view of Galata Tower.


The view of some of the narrow streets in Istanbul.

The view of some of the narrow streets in Istanbul.






Before making our way across Galata Bridge.

Before making our way across Galata Bridge.


Galata bridge is flanked by a countless fishermen, some of which showcase and sell their catch.

Galata bridge is flanked by a countless fishermen, some of which showcase and sell their catch.






One of the entrances to the Spice Bazaar

One of the entrances to the Spice Bazaar


Inside the Spice Bazaar.

Inside the Spice Bazaar.


A breathtaking view of Sultan Ahmet Mosque

A breathtaking view of Sultan Ahmet Mosque


Aya Sofia Museum.

Aya Sofia Museum.


Again, Sultan Ahment Mosque, also known as the Blue Mosque for the color of the tile.

Again, Sultan Ahment Mosque, also known as the Blue Mosque for the color of the tile.


The courtyard of the Blue Mosque.

The courtyard of the Blue Mosque.


Inside the beautiful Blue Mosque

Inside the beautiful Blue Mosque














A walk around the Hippodrome

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.

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

Next stop, Topkapi Palace


Some views from the Harem Section...

Some views from the Harem Section...






And the grounds, with their breathtaking views to the sea of Marmara.

And the grounds, with their breathtaking views to the sea of Marmara.


A view of Old Town from the ¨Modern¨side.

A view of Old Town from the ¨Modern¨side.


The following morning, as we walked to Dolmabahce Palace...

The following morning, as we walked to Dolmabahce Palace...


We were in the midst of the Istanbul Marathon

We were in the midst of the Istanbul Marathon


The Mosque outside Dolmabahce Palace

The Mosque outside Dolmabahce Palace


And the gates leading to the Palace

And the gates leading to the Palace


Impeccable grounds

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!

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.

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. smile

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 smile












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

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Comments: view entire thread

 

How many kilos did you take? 10??? :)

 
 By: amanico : February 15th, 2015-23:04
Wow, delicious by all meanings. There is really something, with Istanbul, which I see like a door to different worlds, Europe, Asia and Orient. A place to visit, for sure! Thanks for these magnificient postcards, Hermano. Nicolas

Hahaha, probably some 5 for sure!

 
 By: AlexSunrise : February 15th, 2015-23:08
Luckily they have all gone by now :-) Istanbul is a must visit to any curious and hungry travelers. A fantastic destination! It is my pleasure to share them with you, Nico! Have a great week ahead, Alex

A fun trip

 
 By: ED209 : February 16th, 2015-00:11
Thanks for sharing these pics of Istanbul. Regards, ED-209

Glad you enjoyed it, Ed!

 
 By: AlexSunrise : February 16th, 2015-19:16
It is my pleasure sharing it! How about you? Any exciting trips planned soon? All the best, Alex

A few trips coming up

 
 By: ED209 : February 17th, 2015-19:35
But nowhere as exciting or exotic as your trip to Istanbul :) Regards, ED-209

Some of those streets look...

 
 By: DRMW : February 16th, 2015-00:21
Some of those streets look steep, seems like you got some exercise to work up your appetite! I wonder how long it takes to cook that shawarma? Appreciate the pics of the interiors, so much details and craftsmanship to look at. The kabob plate looks delici... 

The beef liver was absolutely incredible, Ming!!!

 
 By: AlexSunrise : February 16th, 2015-19:25
One of the highlights of the trip! As for the streets, hehehe, yes, some where quite steep! But all in all, well worth the effort as the reward from those walks where some super tasty meals. Considering your adventurous spirit, I am sure you would enjoy I... 

re: incredible

 
 By: DRMW : February 17th, 2015-00:01
Due to your wonderful pics of the city and food, I'm going to add this to my list of MUST Visit places! Thanks Alex! -MW

Excellent!!!

 
 By: AlexSunrise : February 17th, 2015-07:56
Let me know whenever you decide on visiting so that I can share with you some tips, Ming. Have a great day, Alex

re: excellent

 
 By: DRMW : February 17th, 2015-11:55
We still plan on hitting the Big Texan, not sure when but will definitely let you know! -MW

So how do you like Kebab and Kumpir my friend

 
 By: Ares501 - Mr Green : February 16th, 2015-10:41
Thank you for nice travelogue Did you buy watch on bazaar :) ;) Sincerely D

Hahaha, no watch buying at the Bazaar, Damjan...

 
 By: AlexSunrise : February 16th, 2015-19:34
Only lokum ;-). As for the meals, simply delicious!!! Glad you enjoyed the post, my friend. Cheers, Alex

The food.

 
 By: JerryW : February 16th, 2015-19:12
You really found some delicious looking food. Cool scenery also. Best, JerryW

Thanks, Jerry!

 
 By: AlexSunrise : February 16th, 2015-19:27
Hope to break bread with you soon. Always a pleasure to hear from you, Alex

Great post, Alex. I'm hungry now!

 
 By: CaliforniaJed : February 16th, 2015-20:57
How long were you in Instanbul? Best, CaliforniaJed

Just for 6 days, Jed...

 
 By: AlexSunrise : February 17th, 2015-07:58
We would have liked to stay longer and thus be able to explore more parts of the country, but we will have to go back for that, which, judging on how good of a time we had, I do not think it will take us too long to return. Cheers, Alex

wow...awesome trip my friend...

 
 By: ocwatching : February 19th, 2015-05:53
Had i known you were going..I would have put you in touch with a local friend of mine from college! I was going to visit him after school but never got around to it. Turkey and Istanbul is spectacular and full of history...your photos confirms it.. Looks ... 

It would have been cool to hang out with a local, for sure...

 
 By: AlexSunrise : February 20th, 2015-08:01
But we still cannot complain as we had a great time, Phi. Hope you get a chance to visit your buddy soon enough. Looking forward to hanging out with you soon, All the best, Alex

Thanks for taking a peak, Bill!

 
 By: AlexSunrise : March 24th, 2015-16:34
As you well know, it is a great place to visit! All the best, Alex

A week sailing the turkish islands is a pleasure to be experienced.

 
 By: Bill : March 24th, 2015-18:58
Put it you your plans. I will guide you. Bill