Turkey: Istanbul
When you arrive in Istanbul, the first thing you'll say will be: "Goddamn." Then you'll wonder why you've never been there before and why you've never met anyone who's been there before. When locals ask where you're from they'll guess you're an Aussie or a Kiwi. When you tell them you're from America they'll be shocked. For some reason Americans don't come to Istanbul and that's a damn shame.
The city is breathtaking -- old juxtaposed against new and you can see the parallels everywhere. It's in the scenery, in the traditions, in the clothing people wear.
Here are a few things you should know...
Mosques Why a city needs two mosques on every block we don't know... but they are architectural wonders and add to the beauty of the city. You have to take off your shoes and cover your legs, shoulders and heads (women). Also, women aren't allowed to pray at the front next to the men -- there is a small back room designated for them.
Shopping Never accept a first offer or price tag. Bargain for your hotel room, bus ticket, taxi ride, bottled water, etc.
Hamam Turkish baths and massages are famous. So you know, bath means lay naked in a really hot room and massage means get scrubbed with a bar of soap by a nearly naked person.
Narghily/Nargile/Nargily (nar-gee-lay) We don't like cigarettes, but nargile is quite a different experience. You smoke it but it's fruity and smooth.
Cuisine You'll have to look if you want something other than traditional Turkish food. It's not like America where every other restaraunt involves Chinese, Italian, Thai, etc. You'll love the food though -- lots of vegetables, yogurt and light meat. You'll be surprised at how inexpensive it is. Then, after you leave the touristy parts, you'll be really surprised.
Nightlife For a seedy experience head to Taksim. If you're male be prepared to be rejected from every club if you don't have a woman with you. If you're female be prepared for serious harassment if you don't have a man with you. For a chill nightlife experience, find Ortakoy. It's on the water and tourists don't seem to know about it. If you have a local showing you around, tell them you want to go to Reina or Leila.
Accomodations Exit the train station and follow the tram tracks to the left about three blocks. There are an array of inexpensive hotels and you'll be a quick walk from Sultanahment. We love the staff at Hotel Akcinar.
Other Info You'll need a visa to get into Turkey and it costs $65 -- just get one when your train stops at the border and kicks you off for an hour. Also, buses are the best way to travel inside Turkey... and they're cheap -- $15 to go across the country cheap.
