Istanbul

blue mosque

upon entering you have abide by these rules

inside the blue mosque

one of many lentil soups

lamb meatballs with turkish bread
turkish pide (pizza)

woman making lavash bread

inside the grand bazaar, turkish candies

inside the spice market

man selling hot cocoa

roasted chestnuts

If I only had one word to describe Istanbul, it would be intriguing. From landing at the airport, to taking the train back to the airport, it was all an adventure. The weather was an absolute debauchery. Rain, cold, and wind will be what I recollect the most from my trip. But food, people, and mosques are close behind.

The city is full of life with street vendors, restaurateurs heckling you to eat at their restaurant, and of course tourists everywhere you look. For the most part, Istanbul's economy seems to thrive on visitors. We were victims of a few restaurant hawkers who convinced us they have the 'best' lamb or the 'best' seat in the house. Best lamb indeed, in fact, I think that's what I ate everyday, lamb and tzatziki. Turkey claims to have discovered everything the greeks are known for: vineleaves (grapeleaves), doner kabobs, and baklava.

Other favorites was their love of eggplant and lentils. Every restaurant offered their special version of lamb meatballs, eggplant, and lentil soup. Who ever knew there were a thousand different ways to cook an eggplant. One of the best dishes was a hearty 'ottoman style' beef stew over warm eggplant puree. Oh, the the pide, (Turkish pizza)! We ventured into a locals' place with the BEST crusted pizza ever. The Turks are also known for their bread, something I can never find in the states. In my eyes, a hybrid of foccocia and pizza crust, it is sure a great vehicle for dips and mezzes.

The sights were beautiful especially the Blue mosque. Also the grand bazaar and spice market were extremely lively. The Turks love their tea and sweets (Turkish delights and Baklava), there was a shop on every corner in the city. The people were all very friendly, I mean don't get me wrong, there was an occasional scream which you never get used to hearing, 'hey you, you Japanese or Korean?', other than that, everyone was nice.

Istabul is a bustling and are in the works of really trying become a modernized European city. I would recommend a visit to everyone. We didn't have time to check out the ancient ruins and cities like the old Troy or Ankara but I have heard nothing but great things, oh well, definetly next time.