You need to see the city from the water. Even if all you do is ride the ferry to Asia, and then immediately hop on a ferry back. But if you have the time, take the 2-hour Bosphorus boat tour.
Believe it or not, another blog about Istanbul. Shocking, I know.
I will admit that it is not all that clever to add “L” to the front of “Istanbul” to make it sound like “Lise-tanbul”. But…there are a few reasons for doing so. “L” for “Lise”, yes. “L” for “love”, yes. It’s fitting. I LOVE this city. Period. Over the past 2 1/2 years I’ve been extremely lucky and able to spend a good amount of time here. It gets harder and harder to leave. And to be honest, the thought of living back in Canada, such a long way away, makes me sad. But, where I end up living come the fall is yet to be determined…and the subject of a future blog. So I’ll get to this one…
Walking down to Karaköy through Galata.
I should just buy that old building… I wish…
My home in Istanbul. The House Hotel Galatasaray.
Not only do I love Istanbul, I love showing it to someone who hasn’t experienced it. This quick weekend in Istanbul was shared with three people I work with – one of whom had never been to Istanbul before. There’s nothing like seeing someone experience this city for the first time. And it brings back the first time I was in awe of this place and its energy.
Istiklal – recovering from the night that was.
Istiklal starts to wake up.
And Istanbul – you never disappoint. The weather was perfect. Sunny, warm but not too hot – perfect for exploring. I do not know if it is purely the geographical location, but it was made obvious to me this time that there is something truly magical about the light in this city – be it early morning, high noon, sunset, or any time in between. The sun certainly shines bright (like a diamond…HA!…some of you will know what that means…) on this city.
Reunion with I2020 friends – more like family actually. Ladies are shining bright!
Here are a few examples of the beautiful light in the city – and the treasures you discover by walking down random streets.
Beautiful old mosque across from one of my favourite cafés – Café Cuma.
Morning light in the city. I love going for walks as everything wakes up.
Just around the corner from the House Hotel Galatasaray. This neighbourhood just feels right.
You will want to look around every corner, down every street.You never know what you will find.
Technically cheating with the next two photos…as they were taken on a previous trip. But seriously, mother nature loves this city. No filters…All natural.
Sunset over the Maiden’s Tower
Sunset over Sultanahmet
A case study in light – our view from Banyan restaurant in Ortaköy. The food is amazing, the drinks are well poured, and the view is unmatched.
View from Banyan as the sun starts to set.
View from Banyan – the sun is gone, but night has not arrived quite yet.
View from Banyan at night.
No matter how many times I go back, there are some places that I can never get enough of. Top of this list is the Çağaloğlu Hamam. Do yourself a favour and go… Sorry folks, no photos from the haman! 🙂 I will even admit that I once had a 6-hour layover at Ataturk Airport – so I hopped onto the train into the old city, had a hamam, then hopped the train back to the airport. Aaahhhhh.
Next on the list is the Aya Sofia. I could sit in there for hours. And this time there was a new courtyard open. Magic.
The walkway up to the 2nd level in the Aya Sofia. I can not help but think of all the people who have walked this before me (and I am not referring to the plethora of tourists).
I’d love a home with marble doors like these…
Peek-a-boo view to the Blue Mosque.
The newly opened inner courtyard.
Görüşürüz Aya Sofia.
And then there’s the food….So much good food…
Kahvaltı — Turkish breakfast. If I invite you over for brunch these days, you will see this along with crèpes and maple syrup. The perfect French Canadian/Turkish meal.
Afternoon Prosecco and nibbles.
Oh hello chocolate baklava…
Banyan Orange Beef…and a Cosmo, of course.
When in Beşiktaş make sure you visit the Ayıbedenler coffee shop.
Istanbul…always a pleasure. Loved sharing some of my favourite sites and neighbourhoods with my friends.
Good for the soul. See you again soon.
Blue sky over the Blue Mosque
Although the sun sets, the Bosphorus never sleeps.
Still love the lights.
House Hotel Galatasaray
And a final note. Thank you again to RASK Travel for making the arrangements for us. It’s always a treat to be in Istanbul, but when we got to our rooms at the House Hotel Galatasaray and found personalized welcome notes, a bottle of wine, and a box of truffles from you to welcome us there and wish us a fabulous weekend…well, that was above and beyond. You really are the best!
lisezfaire 