A week in Istanbul, Turkey

We spent the first week of Spring in Istanbul, Turkey. From the 19 to the 27 we were at the Maywood Hotel which is located in the Seraglio Point area of the city. This point of land is the meeting place for the three bodies of water that are part of Istanbul. The Golden Horn, the Sea of Marmara and the Bosphorus surround tghe point much like the city of San Francisco is surrounded by the Bay and the Pacific Ocean.

Our first night was spent walking around the area across the Golden Horn which is called Beyoglu. In order to get there we walked across the bridge and then hike up the hill. We didn't know about the funicular that runs from the bridge up to Tunel Square. We didn't make that mistake again. Beyoglu most recognizable feature is Galata Tower. Takim square is located at the top of the hilly area.

This is the best way to get up the hill, funicular to Tunel Square.

End of the funicular at Tunel Square.

We had dinner at place recommended to us by one of Alex's co-workers, Ozgun, who is from Istanbul.

Our first dinner in Istanbul at Antiochia.

We missed the happy hour but this was a great place to sit and look out at all the people passing by, Pasific Pub.

The small backstreets were crowded on Saturday night which made finding the restaurant a little hard but seeing all the people was worth it. There were as many people sitting outside on the sidewalks as inside.

Nutella can be found everywhere.

Ferry terminal on the Asian side of Istanbul.

Enjoying the sun on the Asian side of Istanbul.

Walking along the waterfront in Asian side of Istanbul.

We took a ferry to the Princes' Islands and got off on Buyukada Island. A buggy ride around the island is a good way to see all of it.

A last look at Buyukada Island before heading back to the city.

Great food in Istanbul!

Thank you is Teshekkur ederim in Turkey.

So much history in Istanbul. Heading up the Bosphorus.

Last stop on the Bosphorus before the Black Sea, Anadolukavagi.

Topkapi Palace main gate.

Ottoman Era condo just outside Topkapi Palace grounds.