Istanbul was by far one of the most memorable cities that we visited. With a population of over 13 million people, the city was bustling with life and energy everywhere we went.
If I could describe the city in one word it would be: Artistic.
We started off in beautiful Old Istanbul and waited in long lines to see a couple mosques. The pictures only begin to speak for just how truly breathtaking the mosques are.
Afterward, we walked around the gorgeous Gülhane Park admiring its beautiful Amazon-like trees.
I also encountered quite the bathroom situation, which consisted of a pee-covered hole in the ground! The worst part was that I had to fork over 1 Euro to use a pee-covered hole in the ground. It was obviously picture worthy. It’s like I knew I would be a blogger some day and be able to share it with you all. ;) The picture will explain everything, although you might not want to look at the picture if you’re eating…
After our visit through Old Istanbul, we crossed the bridge to the modern part of the city and started walking to Istiklal Caddesi avenue which has all the main shopping. After walking just 10 minutes, we quickly realized that it probably wasn’t the best place to be walking alone.
A car pulled up ahead of us and a woman jumped out of the car screaming in terror while running down the street as the car sped off.
Needless to say, we hopped into a cab deeming it the safest method of travel. Once we arrived at the shopping district, the streets were flooded with people and we felt much more at ease. We had a fun time popping in and out of stores, finally grabbing a bite to eat of Turkish cuisine. I had this amazing Bulgur and Red Lentil Köfte that I’ve been meaning to make at home for ages now! Maybe I will have to recreate it soon. :)
The unique artistry, vivid contrast of old and new, and historic architecture made this one of our favourite cities to visit and photograph.
Previous honeymoon posts: 1) Venice, 2) Athens, and 3) Kusadasi
Oh my goodness, Istanbul!?!? That is one city pretty high on my list, especially after taking Art History!
I remember living in Turkey!!!! I actually had a friend there. She was my best friend. But then our families moved. Then, after 11 years, I found her again! She was actually living in the same city I was again! :D We are now the best of friends EVER! :D
Once, on a train between Germany and Amsterdam, I learned the icky way that the toilets “flush” (translation: open a gigantic hole in the bottom of the toilet bowl) right onto the tracks. Seems so unsanitary. I wonder if the workers have to wear hazmat suits when doing any maintenance on the tracks. Gross. Did you have trouble with the hole in the ground?
I love these photographs Angela — it sure makes me want to plan a big trip :)
Turkey is now added to my ever expanding ‘travel list’ :)
The pee hole actually doesn’t look so bad. There was one particular “bathroom” in Venice that really had me stumped. “Are my quads strong enough? There’s no way I’m touching that wall to balance.” It was an interesting experience.
LOL sounds like a sporting event!
Hoping to get there at some point. We live in Japan now so when I had to Europe I have noticed that Turkish Airlines is cheaper than some others, so I am thinking I may get a chance if I add a few days in as a layover. Turkey was on our list of bases to move to, but it was in the south, not near Istanbul, and for personal reasons I just didn’t feel comfortable with this choice. That’s ok, we ended up in Japan. Been here almost a month now.
Woa, I’m surprised you’ve been to Istanbul. Even though I live in Turkey and I go to Istanbul very often, I can somehow find new historical places to visit every time I go. Magical city..
I bet you can…lucky girl!
I love the new blog layout and header! :)
Thank you Jemma! I hope to change the header with the seasons.
Turkey is such a great place to travel. I went there last year and LOVED it. The people are so friendly, it is safe and super cheap! The food is great, too! It is so varied once you leave Istanbul – more roman ruins than Italy, gorgeous hiking (Lycian Way is 500km long!), breathtaking coast lines and if you head in-land to Cappadocia, stunning fairy chimneys – you’d think you had died and gone to heaven. Glad you enjoyed your trip. :)
Oh I would love to travel more of Turkey, it sounds amazing!
Loved these!! They really are great :)
I LOVED Turkey….I just got back from going there in May….it was amazing….we have some of the same pictures. :)
I am ashamed to say that despite living in Europe, I have never been to Turkey let alone Istanbul but feel the need to after seeing your pics. The historical part reminds me of Malta where I got married :-)
Those pictures are amazing – I can’t get over how beautiful it looks there!
Artistic definitely is their word. If I were caught on those sketchy streets, I would have done the same thing….5 blocks ahead! I am a scaredy cat! :)
Beautiful pictures! My husband and I have recently decided to go vegan after doing much research. I have been trying all of your recipes so thank you! What is your go-to meal when you’re out at a restaurant with friends… a restaurant that isn’t particularly known for vegan options? Just looking for suggestions to help with our transition!
Hey Emma! Congrats on your recent vegan transition. :)
Restaurants are a tough one and I’ve had my share of horrible meals over the past couple years. The restaurants around me are not vegan friendly so I don’t go out to eat too much, unless we make the drive to another city. A lot of chefs say they can make a vegan meal no problem, but then when you arrive they offer a salad or stir-fry, which in my experience, has been very weak. Sometimes I call ahead to see what they can offer me.
A vegan friendly restaurant is a real treat though and I usually have a tough time deciding on what to order.
Gorgeous pics. I spent a summer living in Istnabul with a Turkish family in high school and the city (and entire experience) left such a mark on me. The sounds, the smells, the people. It was such an amazing time. What part of the city did you stay in? I was so lucky to run around both sides of the city. Gorgeous! Seeing your pics reminded me of it – and how I can’t wait for my daughter to be a tad older before planning a trip there.
We were on a honeymoon cruise so we headed back to the ship each day (but would have gladly stayed longer at many cities!)
we’re going to the Aegean Sea in May. This makes me that much more excited. If I only had your talent.
Thanks for sharing your awesome photos!!
ohh!! I’ve always wanted to go to Istanbul!
Nice photos! How is the food!?
I loved the food! Lots of veg options :)