More Istanbul

Random shots pretty much throughout the city. And yes, if you can see this it is the Trump Tower. I just had to take that shot. And the top left picture shows the Metrobus stations they have located throughout the city linking both continents, Europe and Asia. It has become my favorite means of transport. I am more a ferry person, but this bus system is awesome. They have their own lanes, and there's no traffic jam, clean neat seats, and if you're lucky you don't feel like a pickle in a hot sandwich. Best part is you're on the other side of the city within 15 minutes, whereas by car it may as well take you up to an hour. Love it.

Those animals are all over. I couldn't resist taking our cat's picture, too (far right bottom picture). She's just too relaxed and funny. Wish I had more spontaneous moments of these to capture every animal I came across.

Food! You may notice some familiar stuff on here, too. Yes, I ate hamburgers, and a hot BBQ chicken sandwich...but both Turkish style. I cut my dishes with fork and knife, and the cheese and BBQ sauce were both made in Turkey...so yeah. Different, but oh-so-very-delicious!!!
Lots of fruits and veggies, awesome appetizers, Rakı (just like the Greek Ouzo - and folks, it's the same exact thing!! But shhhh, don't tell that to the Greeks or the Turks!) ;-) (and yes, the "ı" on Rakı has no dot on top of the "i"; I spelled it correctly!!), lots and lots of tea, my favorite Turkish ice cream, and some very yummy meat dishes and yogurt drinks. I'm telling you, I was in food heaven. I had missed the food, the drinks, the sounds of people chatters and laughs, while a few blocks down you'd hear the call for prayer five times a day, and at the same time were holding a glass of local red wine. Contradictions and traditions so close to each other it made my heart melt.

I found a local article (in English) about the city and its beauty and all in a Sunday paper and wanted to share this with you. But dummy MOI thought she took the piece of paper with her, opened it up at home and shocked her own self by finding yes, articles and all but not the one she intended to bring and share. Hmmm, it's probably still at my cousin's apartment or already ready for the trash. I am so sad. However, while I was desperately looking for the online version of that same article (I mean, looking frantically for it and trying every possible corner cannot hurt at all) I came across something else. I hope you can all see this video. It's one of my favorite Turkish authors, and her little version of "I'll show you my city"!

Click HERE for the video!!!
She describes it beautifully. I think. Do you?!

There are more pictures I want to share with you but don't want to overwhelm you.

Hope you like what you see!!

Istanbul is my favorite city, with its rich history, and non-stop cultural exposures I love it every time I'm back there. Looking at pictures and seeing videos is awesome, too, but being there and experiencing it all is one thing that has to be done in person, at least once in your life! Ha, corny I know.

Hope you are having a fabulous day!