Istanbul

When we decided to go to Istanbul, I wasn't really sure what to expect. Since it is a well traveled place I knew that there would be hospitality and English but as a women I was warned by my colleagues on dressing appropriately and how some men will react to me.

Unfortunately I can not get my video to upload but the first amazing thing was going to a massive mosque during the call to pray. the call to pray occurs 5 times a day 3:30 am, 5:42 am, 5:07 pm, 8:21 pm and 10:08 pm and it can be heard allover the city. You can check it out here Another must on Istanbul was the Grand Bazaar where you can purchase everything from toys to carpets and clothing. There is also the Spice market which is the center for spice trace in Istanbul. We enjoyed the more modern side of the city where there are more bars, fish markets and clothing shops. The most disappointing part of our trip was the food, we had very bad luck with our choice in restaurants and if you go, avoid the ones under the bridge!

Grand Bizzaar

Spice Market

Fast food boats where you order and they throw you a fish sandwich

Entrance into the Bizzar

Street View

On the bridge you can rent poles and there is guy at the end who will clean and fry your fish.

University Mosque

Blue mosque

clean your feet before you go in to pray
How old is this tower?

The how old

Castle park

he just had another crapy meal

Blue mosque

Baklava and apple tea!

Once this boat came in, all the resturants had their people lined up with menus to greet the passangers
Hookah break

And then we went partying to celebrate Jades sisters b-day

For the entire trip I had western bathrooms and then the night I go drinking I have to deal with this!

Istanbul has a lot of stray cats, they are in the restaurants, streets and bars. After a few drinks I fall in love with all of them, perhaps not the best thing to be picking up at a bar!

Oh mangy cat I miss you

cool band but watching the dancing was impressive

Drunken call to sister to wish a happy birthday from Turkey

After bar food: Street Oysters

Hi Dog

Under the bridge restaurants: they are really pushy to get you to come in and they even show you their kitchen so you know it is "fresh". Food is not great and if you take a peek and then go back later, they WILL remember you and put even more pressure on you!