The Real Istanbul with Burak

There is something deeply ironic about being outblogged by Carrie on this trip thus far. I think I’ve created a monster. But, if it wasn’t for her, there wouldn’t be much to read.

When I last left off I had posted some pictures from our fabulous hotel in Sultanhamet, Istanbul. It was kind of like having a view of the French Riviera, the Eiffel Tower and the Vatican rolled into one. While it was nice to experience these wonders of Turkey, it was pretty awesome when my buddy Burak and his cousin Emrah whisked us away to where the fun is: Taksim.

Taksim has a huge street that is closed to traffic and is rife with shops, bistros, bars and street vendors. You see these streets in most major cities in Europe and they’re awesome. Just a mass of people moving enjoying some shopping, food and nargile (hookah) at a human pace.

After some walking, we settled down to eat some authentic Turkish cuisine at a really nice restaurant next to the Galata Tower. Burak and Emrah ordered a bunch of mezes to share, and we enjoyed every bite. Wrapping things in grape leaves was a great idea.

Now things get fun. Burak suggests we go check out the One Love Festival, a weekend music fest featuring electronica. We pile into Emrah’s Mini and he takes off like a bat out of hell. A few near-death experiences later and he’s paying some guy to move a trash bin so that we can park on the street next to the festival. A few Lira later and we’re just in time to catch the headliners: Royskop! It was a cool show: not too crowded, close to the stage, and just long enough to satiate my curiosity in electronic music.

Afterwards, we headed over to Emrah’s for some drinks. Carrie and I had whiskey, a delicious 12-year variety. It was nice to get away from the bars and just chill-out. Emrah’s flat was right in Taksim and was great. 3 bedrooms, high ceilings and a long balcony for something like $1200/month. Good deal!

Anyway, here’s to Burak and Emrah. Turkish hospitality at its finest!

Tea Time

Drinking turkish tea in Cihangir, the artsy neighborhood in Istanbul.

Good Morning Sultanahmet

Some shots from the roof of our hotel. Top to bottom: the Bosphorus, the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia.

Merhaba from Istanbul

This is the view from our hotel, the Hotel Alaturka, which is very close to the blue and red mosque.

Turkey

This is a picture of the traditional Turkish breakfast we had at our charming and quirky (and most importantly, cheap) hotel in Gumbet, which is a mile or so from Bodrum. Also pictured is part of a mural hung over the bar at the hotel. Two honeymooners, perhaps?

We spent about a day and a half in Gumbet, eschewing cultural pursuits for a day relaxing on the beach, drinking beer, listening to the ubiquitous techno music, smoking hookah, and trying to pick up a few Turkish phrases (we’re still struggling with “thank you”).

There were loads of British tourists in Gumbet, but very few Americans. In fact, we were the first Americans the bartender/waiter at the hotel had met. Don’t worry, we’re doing our best to make a good impression, and yes, Carter is wearing his “Local Celebrity” tshirt everywhere.

As I write this we’re on a bus from the airport to Istanbul! It was quite an adventure getting to the airport in Bodrum this morning. We taxied to a bus depot, and wandered around fruitlessly looking for the official airport shuttle. When we realized the next shuttle was leaving too late to make our flight, we hopped on a local bus, which proceeded to randomly pick up and drop off old men along the way. We were then dropped off at the side of the road, and had to walk across a four line highway to a taxi stand seemingly situated in the middle of nowhere. After a cab ride of about a mile, we reached our destination, just in time to board out Turkish Airways flight to Istanbul. We can’t wait to explore this amazing city!

Bodrum, Turkey

After some wrong turns, Google Maps deceptions and a cheap bus ride, we have made it to our hotel in Bodrum, Turkey! We’re actually in a neighborhood called Gumbet, just 2km from the port. One day and two nights and we’ll be off to Istanbul!