Istanbul Today

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March 10th 2010

Published: March 10th 2010

Istanbul Today This is our third blog during our month in Istanbul. The first focused on the Byzantine sights in Istanbul, the second on the Ottoman sights. This blog focuses on Istanbul today, and our daily, personal experiences here. But first May, the woman who doesn’t really like to travel, is going to share with us why she likes to travel. Thoughts on why travel is good By May, the w... Read Full Entry

Photos are below

Photos: 63, Displayed: 21

Coats for Sale

Fresh Juice

There are several fresh juice stands on the street outside our apartment.

Lovely Dresses

Simit Seller

Simits are sort of like bagels, but better. They are everywhere in Istanbul, the most common food we see.

Couple, Mosque Courtyard

Ferries

We have spent a lot of time on ferries - pleasant and fun.

Outer Wall of a Mosque

Washing Before Praying

Muslims often wash before entering a mosque to pray.

Galata Bridge Fishermen

Turkish Men, Galata Bridge

Turkish Women, Galata Bridge

Dad and Daughter, Galata Bridge

Ella and Jordan

This is the street outside our apartment, probably on a Sunday morning since the shops are closed.

Fish Sandwich Restaurants, Galata Bridge

These restaurants serve fish sandwiches for US$3. They are always packed. The fish are cooked on these bobbing boats, but you eat on the shore.

Apartment Living Room

Entrance to Our Apartment

Neighborhood Restaurants

These two restaurants are right outside our apartment. We eat beans and rice from the green one, and chicken sandwiches from the red one.

Simit Sarayi

Simits are similar to bagels, but better. There are simit chains all over Istanbul, sort of like Bruegger's Bagels at home.

European Architecture, Iskitlal Caddessi

This is what most of the pedestrian street near our apartment looks like - very European.

Stairway Up to Our Apartment

From here, it's only 95 steps up.

Entryway, Apartment Complex

10th March 2010

marian
non-member comment

Istanbul today
May's thoughts about travel were thought provoking. And Paul's history helped me fill in gaps. I never realized that the pro-Islamic party is currently in power. I remember when it emerged to take part in an election (must have been 2002) there were fears that it would bring Turkey a religious dictatorship sort of like Iran. But Turkey as I remember is Sunni--Islam without the hierarchy that Shiites have. Good thoughts. Gran

11th March 2010

Louisa Goebel
non-member comment

Istanbul today
I wrote a comment, then let Paul read this. Now I can't remember if I sent the comment. Now you know my mind is deteriorating at an alarming rate while you have been gone! We have enjoyed your blogs so much. You have really been educating us! I hesitate to send this blog to our children because they will immediately leave and live abroad next year! Sorry Jordan has had some problems there, but I am not surprised--she is so attractive! The power of the press is disturbing in every country, I do believe!Love, Louisa and Paul

11th March 2010

Marion
non-member comment

thanks for the thoughts
I really appreciate your thoughts May. I travelled so much earlier in my life but have been States bound for a while. And while the moves I've made have been challenging for different reasons, I long to break out of the dull and comfortable. Continued safe travels! Marion

12th March 2010

Doris
non-member comment

Istanbul today
May, I love your thoughts on travel. I have always thought that you learn more traveling for a week than taking classes for a year. Home is more comfortable especially as one gets older, but traveling somewhere new is so exciting and so much fun. I never thought of Istanbul as being at the top of my travel wants, but Patsy and the rest of you have made it sound like a wonderful destination. I'm sorry Jordan has had to experience such rudeness......but, I guess that too is a learning experience. Love to all, Doris

13th March 2010

Megan
non-member comment

I appreciate your comments on time and the to-do lists, May. Your ability to let travel be your teacher is wonderful. I also hear your eagerness to walk the hills of your own local neighborhood. Paul, thanks for sharing history and current realities of life in Istanbul. We miss you and send Ella and Jordan love too. Megan and the gang

26th March 2010

Debby Genz
non-member comment

Fun to hear your views
Hi Paul, Deb Scott just turned me onto your blog and I so enjoyed reading this, my first entry. Richard and i also visited Istanbul when we were in Ukraine, and loved it's variety, old + new comos, etc. And May's reflections on taking yourself out of your comfort zone to wake yourself up again are so right! Stay open, enjoy the adventure!

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