Merhaba from Istanbul

Picture time!

Markets in Istanbul are amazing and different to what you may be used to, and there is a daily one practically around the corner (aka not around the corner and about 15 minutes away on foot) from where my family lives. I just love to stroll around and look at herbs, spices, fish, veggies, fruits, plastic stuff, electronics so cheap you won't believe, and much much more. So, naturally I took pictures...of food and stuff mostly.

Please don't touch the fish  is what's written on that paper. Emmm, who would do that? I think it's gross! But those two were awesome, and huge!

Some refreshments are always necessary...and yes, our tiny table looked like a little disaster area...two cameras, four cellphones (don't ask!), an ashtray which we didn't use, a pen, paper, water bottles, and somehow we managed to have coffee or tea on there, too. Amazing!

Beauties we came across while walking instead of taking public transportation back to the ferry terminal.

A very old post of mine (with funny mistakes, but I keep it as it is!) kind of describes how I feel about old buildings, structures, houses, you name it I especially come across in this part of the world and so I don't have to explain why out of nowhere I take pictures of old houses I wish I could buy and restore so they look pretty again!!!

Years ago I saw more stray cats walking around, looking for food in trash bins and such. Over the years cats have come and gone but they remain part of this country. Dogs however, yes, those lovely cute creatures, they have become more present these days. The area my family lives in is full of stray dogs. They all have an ear chip so at least they are registered of some sort but they belong to themselves or the street. I think it's sad. Really really sad.

More pictures to come, but I wanted to give you a slight preview of what I did, or didn't do.

I am no tourist in this city anymore, therefore I don't go to the touristy places. I would if someone would join me that hasn't been there yet. Just saying. But I'm gonna try to share some of my love for this gigantic city with you. So be prepared! ;)

Moi, trying to smile. According to my cousin and I really have to say she's right...I can't smile anymore. Not sure how I lost that well, let's say, skill but I can't smile anymore. Weird, huh? Or maybe I was just way too hungry to pose! :) We were waiting for some food, and it was windy (hence the weird hair!).

Though I captured this beautiful sunset later on and it made my heart melt!
As you may have read somewhere, I love sunsets...best. thing. ever.

Stay tuned for more!!!

Have a great weekend!