Evenings in Istanbul
by plantpot
I really miss two things about Istanbul... one is on our last night when we took the ferry from Eminonou to the Asian side and got straight on the ferry going back, purely for the view of Sultanahmet at night time, with silhouettes of the billions of minarets etc etc. Everyone must have been wondering what those english wierdos were doing, but hey, who cares that view was amazing, and it comes back to me pretty much everyday! Another thing was when we found a little cafeish sort of thing, with nargiles, backgammon, comfy seats and no tourists(!) (i know im one but shhh). Im not going to tell you where it was coz ITS MINE:), but it just shows what amazing stuff there is to be found all over the city!
sigh:)
(and also i cant remember where it was)
Do I have to bring my passport whenever I go out?
by June.b
.
.
.
Maybe No. I hitched a ride (yes, in Istanbul!) and was stopped by a policeman along the way on a random checkpoint, they asked for my passport, I simply said it’s in the hotel, he smiled and let us go.
BUT, don't bet on that, it may be a case-to-case or fate-to-fate basis and depends on the current political situation, best bet... bring a photocopy of your passport if you aren't comfortable bringing it everytime you go out.
Turkish Coffee
by ddevronn
Turkish coffee is another offering that people get from locals. It is a strong type of coffee, so it is served in small "fincan" 's. The sugar is added during preperation, so you may want to tell them how you want it done.
"sade" - no sugar
"az sekerli" - very little sugar
"orta sekerli" - medium
"çok sekerli" - with lots of sugar
If you are given the coffee without them asking your preference, it is most likely to be medium.
DO NOT stir or mix the coffee in any way. Don't drink till the end or you will end up with a sandy texture.
Turkish coffee is also used for fortune-telling. This is done by placing the saucer over the "fincan" and turning it upside down. After it cools down the fortune-teller reads from the sediment left at the bottom of the "fincan".
Mosaics Museum
by danchatman
It's a tiny place, though the mosaics covering the floor were tremendous. Our hotel was nearby, so we popped on in and paid our $1 admission and saw some very nice Roman mosaics; it sure made me wonder what the place looked like in its heyday.
If you're not into mosaics with a passion, then I'm not sure it would be worth a detour.
Our Eyewitness Guide said it is open Mondays, but it was closed.
Ottoman Houses
by SirRichard
In the neighborhood behind the University you can find a quarter with those typical ottoman wooden houses. Many of them are being restored
It traditionally has an upper gallery and an optional stair to the entrance. Many of them have been destroyed in the frequent fires in the past.
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Istanbul University on Beyazit Square
Luggage storage in the airport shuttle.
Lycian Sarcophagus (5th century BC)
Rustem Pasa Camii
