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Published: October 26th 2007
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Me n Robyn
At The Supper Club Talk about dump and run….I landed in Istanbul at 8.30pm and was at my hotel by 10. Robyn landed earlier in the afternoon so she was ready to go out when I got there. There was time for a quick shower, then put on a frock and heals and off we go…
Across the road was Bar Lucas, it looked great so we headed over. A few mojitos, a couple of martinis and conversation with the staff later and we’re off to the Supper Club, the newest and hippest bar in Istanbul. We were lucky enough not to get caught by the paparazzi though - they were hovering outside, apparently there were more famous people than us inside - models, actors and us!
Wow! Supper Club was great! We met so many lovely people from all over the world. The American basketballer, Ersha the barman, Serkan and his local crew and of course, Allan the dutch DJ. What a fabulous night out.
We’re staying at the Bebek Hotel. What a gorgeous spot, right on the Bospherus, with the best views so we decide to just hang there and have breakfast and take it all in. The papers got
From our terrace
Aahh the Bospherus read, the photos were taken and that much coffee can’t be good for you. A bit of energy now so we decide to head towards Canyon shopping centre. I want to keep an eye out for a posh gown coz I’m going to the Unicef ball in London at the end of the month.
Robyn made a purchase but I didn’t find my frock so we decided it was time to head back to our terrace for a bottle of wine. Just perfect, gorgeous sunset, nice conversation with the waiters and heaps of bar snacks but we’ve booked into Poseidon for dinner so it’s another quick costume change and off we go again.
Aahh, lovely dinner. We get to choose the entrée’s from the platters that are bought out for us, then the whole fish arrives. Our table is right on the Bospherus, the food is fresh and it’s washed down with Raki (which makes Robyn crazy apparently - makes for an interesting night out).
After I’ve rustled up all the staff (who all happen to be men) for a group photo we’re off. This time we’re trying out Lulu, coz last night it was too busy
Dinner at Poseidon
The staff were lovely to get in. And what a great idea that turned out to be coz we met 2 lovely local chicks and had a nice chat, then Allan (the dj from last night) came in and recognized us and told us we should go Bedehane, which is filled with little alleys, lots of beanbags and locals.
But after Lulu we took the chicks to Lucas to say hi to our new waiter friends, lucky we did coz the two owners of The Supper Club were there. A table of 4 chicks is always going to attract attention so the managers join for a drink. After a while we convinced them to come to Bedehane. Then we met everyone. The dj’s, their friends, the waiters - woohoo.
I don’t know how I did it but I managed to convince the Supper Club owners to open the bar just for us tonight! Our group was now about 20 people so we all went there, opened the bar, turned on the dex and had a hoot. When the sun came up we all knew it was time to go so 3 of us went to Allan’s girlfriends beautiful apartment to hang out…and
play dress ups. She has the best wardrobe I’ve seen in ages so in we went, one at a time - boys and girls and then out we came, dressed in the finest frocks, sequined tops and scarves - hilarious!
On the Monday night Robyn and I met up with her friend Timur and his mate Mark and we were off to Poseidon again. Another fabulous meal but this time we were not up for the bar hopping so we went to Timur’s house to chill. Well, lucky he happened to have those four bottles of Verve in the fridge and a lovely view.
The next day I got up (eventually) packed and jumped into a taxi heading to the bus station and jumped on the 1.30 bus to Canakkele, it’s time for me to get out of the city and start my Turkish adventure……
Well it’s 2 weeks later and I’m back in Istanbul before flying back to London. This time it’s a bit different…..staying at Orient International Hostel in Saltanahmet. Got the 4 bed chick dorm for L20 including breakfast and am sharing with Sabine from Poland. I got in late so it’s
The Blue Mosque
Worth coming back for a quick walk around, straight up to the Blue Mosque and Aya Sofya (church of holy wisdom). The Blue mosque is super impressive at night and the Aya Sofya looks a bit tired - no wonder though as they did start working on it in AD532.
Monday after a big nights sleep, I’m up and heading to the Grand Bazaar, a heaven for shoppers, 4500 shops…Oh My God! Everything here from lanterns, t-shirts, bags, shoes, belts, food, to ceramics, Turkish delight and carpets of course. 1st though I need a nice strong Turkish coffee, then I’m off. When I’m done there it’s straight to the Egyptian Bazaar. A little bit smaller and less hustle and bustle and a lot more food, spice, fruits, nuts, fish, cheese…mm time for lunch.
Wandering back I’m picked up by a Turkish guy now living in Alicante - nice for a chat but I gotta go back for a siesta, so it’s no to the invite for tea.
After a monster sleep I’m ready for a big day discovering. Jump on the tram and cross the bridge to head up to Taksim for a spot of shopping. It looks really lovely up
The demonstration
So glad I had my camera here. Lots of fancy shops, tram tracks and …what the hell is that commotion. There is a massive demonstration going on in the main street. Hundreds of them all protesting about the soldiers being sent to Iraq - 30 were killed in the last week. They’re all so passionate and there are even people supporting them from office block windows and roofs and I was right in the middle of it, with my camera - Fantastic. It lasted about 30 minutes then they were off up the street and everything went back to normal..Wow!
I continue with the shopping, all the way back down to the harbour then grab some lunch. The path takes me to an underpass, which I take but get a little worried. It seems every second shop in this underpass in a gun shop! Exit, stage left.
I’ve jumped straight on a boat trip that goes up the Bospherus, just lovely. Past so may mosques, palaces, bridges, lovely houses, dilapidated houses. The perfect way to end my time in Turkey. Then I’m off the boat and quickly dash into the bazaar then up the street for a last minute shopping, then it’s home to
pack, eat and have my last bottle of Turkish wine….just a quiet last night….yeah right!
Went up to the bar in the hostel, had my last dinner with a half bottle of wine, then got called over to the bar to join in. Next thing ya know the water pipe comes out, the Raki shots are offered, the belly dancers skirt goes on (him) and then…yeah ok, let’s go out!
I’m pretty sad to be leaving Turkey. I’ve had an amazing adventure here. Magic has happened and I’m glad I had the time to enjoy it. I found it easy to be included with travelers and locals. I think if you give people time, they will give you time. I’ve been included in family dinners, I’ve met many many new friends, I’ve been out dancing and giggling and been pampered. I love, love, love Turkey and can’t wait to come back to see and live more of it.
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