Bumping in Istanbul
There is always time for the first. However you will never be ready to do this at 20 weeks pregnant unless you try. The steep hills were a killer, but fancy ice cream or little rest was a perfect compromise for the long days on your feet. Istanbul is like that one friend who can’t decide what to wear and somehow still look fabulous. Half Europe, half Asia, it’s basically the ultimate one of the cities, that covers everything – from steep hills to beach and marina vibe while serving baklava with “cai”. One moment you’re sipping Turkish tea by the Bosphorus river, the next you’re lost in the Grand Bazaar wondering if you really needed that fake handbag or another scarf you will never wear.
The daytime skyline is nothing short of ordinary but at night? The place seems to alight. A spicy mix of domes, minarets and ottoman palaces. Never ending traffic here is more intense than a Netflix finale, it’s chaotic and somewhat crazy like a city-sized Turkish delight dusted with a little madness.
If you are limited to just a few days in the city – the best is to divide days into sightseeing/ shopping and exploring the Asian side of Istanbul. Local ferries can save the day and usually offer the best views.
I don’t normally suggest Skip the Line type of tickets but if you have limited time in the city, that’s the way to go. Start in the Old City with Topkapi Palace where sultans lived their drama-filled lives. Add some amazing views of Istanbul from their garden. Then pop into the Basilica Cistern, on a hot day it’s a perfect place to cool off. Then stroll across the road to Hagia Sophia (this is a place of many – Christian basilica, mosque, museum, mosque again – little identity crisis but gorgeous) with a short walk over to Blue Mosque (follow their rules to cover up, long scarf or wrap will come handy). Finish up your day at the Grand Bazaar or the Spice Bazaar, bargaining badly for things you don’t need but desperately want. And if you are hungry – the choices for dinners are endless, from kebab, pide to fresh local seafood … if you have more time to visit Karakoy and take a walk through Istiklal Cd., you will certainly end up on their popular and busy Taksim Square, the other option is to hop on the local tram. Galata Tower is also beautiful from the outside – the tourist crowds much less.
Don’t skip the Asian side – head over to Kadıköy’s street art, markets, cool coffee shops and typical turkish dondurma – they also have a few beer places that we can recommend for some down time. If you have spare time, take a stroll through Moda.
There are enough cats to start their own parliament. From small to big, and ginger to grey – they have them all. Well look after and everyone seems to just get along. Occasionally throwing a doggo into a mix.
Local recommendation: book some of your activities ahead of time. Basilica Cistern seems to get pretty busy and if you fancy skipping a line, do not leave it on the same day.
- Coffee: Turkish Coffee at No. 4 – don’t look further – Matt’s favourite is pistachio. I recommend trying freshly squeezed orange juice for some daily dose of vitamin C.
- Borek: get yourself a portion of tasty little breakfast treat at Hazal Borek Salonu – sample some meaty or sugar sprinkled borek
- Craft beer: Taproomx – if you are looking for a nice selection of craft beer
- Ice cream: Vitavien (Kadıköy) – inexpensive with a great selection
Bodrum
We were desperate for some down time away from the big city buzz and work routine. The key was to balance some activity with relaxation by the sea or hotel pool. I was truly happy to sit down on the beach lounger and read the whole day… also don’t forget naps – not overrated yet.
The Castle is built on a small rocky peninsula surrounded by water. As a result, the perimeter of the Castle has remained largely unchanged since the departure of the Knights. In spite of severe damage during World War I, a high proportion of the original monument has been preserved intact or carefully restored. Today, the Bodrum Castle is home to the Museum of Underwater Archaeology, which is unique in Turkey, and one of the most significant Underwater Archaeology Museums in the world.
Local recommendation: if you fancy a drink away from the old town, we can highly recommend some within walking distance.
- Gupa – fancy burger and great selection of local craft beer
- Ruby’s pizzeria – dessert pizza to die for