Istanbul & Bosphorous

[johntaylor49]

For all who love it here!

Last year Memsahib and I decided, while sitting on the Verandah, sipping a Pea-Pod burgundy, that we should go and see what all this fuss was about --- Bosphorous and Constantinople donch'ya'know?

Well now we know!

One of the most fascinating and enjoyable cities I have ever had the pleasure to visit, We have been around a bit, and members of the old farts club, so know a thing or two. I would rate it as important a place to see before that chap with that long scythe comes around as Hong Kong, New York, Delhi/Agra/Jaipur/Varanassi, Cape Town etc.

Dont go for three days, minimum 5, ideally 7! It is so easy from Dalaman, flights every day, not too expensive, Good cheap Hotels in Sultanahmet, so much to see, the buildings like Ayia Sofia, Blue Mosque and Rustem Pasha Mosque, Galata Tower, Bezayit Fire Tower. Palaces that are beyond belief, the ancient of Sultanahmet to the wonder and opulence of Dolme Bache where dont ask it is real gold as it will be! The Bosphorous and the views from it, The food, the mystery the History the bloody wonder of it all!

If I was wealthy, sure, I would live in Calis/Fethiye/Uzumlu in a nice house, but, I would have to have an apartment on the Bosphorous! -- oh well dreams, back tom the urban slum by the Canal now  

I had great advice here and have now ammassed my own little guide!

I may even post some pictures, enjoy Calis/fethiye -- its great -- but one year, take in the fabulous City!

JT

[Eric]

We did it last November and totally agree with you.  We enjoyed it so much we are planning to go back again next year as we did not see lots of things we wanted to, and we went for 6 days!

[Fran]

I,m hoping to go this year, the first week in October, so would love to see your pics.

[Colwyn]

I was particularly impressed by the Ayasofya, and stood in awe grazing around in awe. Restored and converted to the current current structure in 562AD it was the largest cathedral in the world for nearly a thousand years. Despite its size is a light, airy, peaceful place that looks architecturally effortless. The only other building I have visited that has impressed me to anywhere near this extent is Alhambra in Granada.

[Old Daffodil]

I am really grateful to have had the chance to visit there too. Beautiful building .

[starman™]

Yes and a great city it is although I am moving house soon to somewhere more peaceful. This is the view from my back yard at the moment.

[mike A]

Had the pleasure of living in Istanbul for 9 months in 1967 and was backwards and forward there in 66 & 68 as well, have visited often since and I am as captivated with it now as I was then.
 

[mavigoz]

I love it too and visit at least twice a year just to shop, see friends etc.
such an amazing place and you never get to see everything.
I have been going there for 32 years and everytime there is something new.
Definately a must see.

[FrankStanley]

we went last november as well eric.
4 days then flew back to uk, marvelous city.

[wickwilly]

Had the pleasure of working there in 1991 and 1992 and still try to get back as often as possible. Still lots I have not yet had the chance to see.
WW