June 14, 2011

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!


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19 comments :

Christianna said...

This sounds amazing! I love the "don't tell the Greeks or the Turks" comment!

Abby said...

I love how you grouped the photos together into diff themes. I always take pictures of animals when I travel. Maybe more than I should, ha! Great photos!!

Meghan said...

It looks like I could eat my way through Istanbul! What a beautiful city!!!

Jennifer Fabulous said...

Wow what a beautiful city! After seeing these awesome photos, I kind of feel like I was there! ;) And all that food looks delicious as well.

Brenna said...

I am dying to get to Istanbul. It looks so beautiful there.

Krysten @ Why Girls Are Weird said...

Mmm all that food looks delish!

The Michelle Show said...

I am so jealous of you that it should be a crime.

elena nuez said...

thanks for that amazing trip!!!
I loved!

elena

Sierra said...

Did you take all of those photos? I love them!! Ooooh the food! Oooh the food! Oooh the animals! He he he.

Unknown said...

I'm so glad that you took pictures! It looks like you had a fantabuouls time. Seriously, it makes the city look so beautiful. I want to go to there now.

Alexa said...

Those food shots are incredible!
xo
Alexa
www.theshortandthesweetofit.com

Kelly said...

beautiful pictures!! so interesting and fun to look at :)

Crazy Shenanigans-JMO said...

I love all of the photos!!! I didn't know there was a Trump Tower there! You've throughly made me want to visit there. Not necessarily the trump tower but you know what I mean... haha!

Abbie said...

You did a wonderful job on you post.
The foods looked delicious. I like how you organized the animal pictures. The methods of transportation.

Thank you for the brief tour through Istanbul!!

Leeann @ Join the Gossip said...

Wow - such beautiful photos! My three favs: history, animals, and food hehe!

A Cup of Sparkle said...

You have fabulous pictures Selma. I loved all of them. My favorite city is Istanbul as well :)

Natasha Contreras said...

Ah! I looove Istanbul. So beautiful, and the food? The food is divine!

inlovewithsandiego.blogspot.com

Elle Sees said...

i've never been there! i'm putting it on my wanderlust list.

h said...

Oh, I loved Istanbul! Galata Bridge might be my most favorite place in the world! The rest of Turkey is really equally awesome. Definitely worth a visit...or 5.

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