things you must see in istanbul!

I also had prejudice regarding Istanbul, I have to admit. The Turks are like that, they are like this, their culture is nothing but poor merchandising, they are loud, they believe in dubious gods, their food is different and the list really did go on!! Well, all that changed once I went to visit the capital city! Not only is it a very civilized city, but it Is also one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen!! Istanbul remained in my heart and mind. I came back nostalgic and can’t seem to feel any better, not even after a week has passed! Thereof, I will tell you more about my trip and, hopefully, this way I will manage to shake the feeling off. Here are some things you should not miss while in Istanbul:
1. Hagia Sophia – a former church built by Constantin the Great in 325, which was set on fire two times and then turned into a mosque. Its interior, decorated with mosaic motifs, the marble column and its ceiling are absolutely amazing! You can still see the traces of the old Christian paintings.

2. The Blue Mosque, thousands and thousands of people gather here to pray, no matter how many tourists may come in. The people I saw here are truly well-connected with spirituality. This building is really majestic. You cannot go in with your shoes on and if you’re a woman you must cover your head.

4. Basilica Cisterne: “The tank of the 1001 Columns”. I take it as an immense extravagance of Iustinian the 1st. Actually, this was only just an underground spring meant to facilitate water disposal. It is as big as 9800 square meters, 140 metres long and 70 metres wide. The brick domes rest on 336, 9 metres tall marble columns, arranged in 12 rows. It is awesome!

4. The port where you can enjoy your fish meal on a boat – if you’re one to try out foreign customs, go visit the port where you can buy spices and fish meals are prepared right in front of your face, on the boats in Bosfor. It is absolutely amazing, seeing how people move agitatedly, how the chefs prepare your food in no more than 5 minutes!

5. Grand Bazaar: where the colors do their dance. Mind your path, though! The bazaar is also the place in which you might get really lost! Take it from someone who almost lost it – first and foremost, ask people where you can find what you look for and go straight there. These streets are so much alike that it will be really difficult not to lose the way… home. I loved the antique shops, the spices and teas, the carpets, the lamps, the jewleries and the manually painted ceramic bowls, the bags and the watches:

6. The continents seen right through the Bosfor – Istanbul is divided in two, right between continents: one part is in Europe and the other in Asia. When you reach the Port in the Spices Market you’ll see thee little ships leaving for sightseeing tours every 30 minutes. The view is spectacular! I went there at night, around 7 o’clock, and saw the sunset as well. Oh, those views made me lose my mind – the colored bridges, the lights on the buildings and the spur of the moment fireworks… oh….
7. Wait till you see the skybars in Istanbul! You can find them quite easily, there are a lot and you can ask anyone of them. They all know what we’re talking about! I enjoyed delicious fruit waffles, M&M, coffees and teas, I also had lamb meals, dishes which melted in my mouth! I’m telling you! Long story short, the food there is delicious! Anywhere!

8. The streets – I saved a few hours just to enjoy strolling through the city. I found fresh shops everywhere, I enjoyed one too many pomegranate fresh juices, traditional pizzas, looked through the glasses and saw the most delicious cupcakes, smelled pie all around the street. Ah, and the way they served ice cream!! Add some roasted chestnuts and corn and there you have it – a perfect sightseeing half of day! I really did have a huge smile on my face!

9. The spices market – you cannot leave without having bought something here (without having had way too many sweets, whatsoever). They really do have the most interesting merchandising methods. They are friendly, fast to find out what your hot spots are and even faster to take advantage of them! They tell you THE STORY, they make jokes, they kindly invite you to taste their products and they offer you tea, water and even coffee. Anywhere! It really is worth visiting, the spices market. The prices are also the lowest here!

10. Do not forget your dear friends – the company really does make the difference between a great vacation and a happiness-filled one! How could you, anyway, enjoy such beauties without them?!