“Turkey 🇹🇷 ~Istanbul and Why We Love It Here”

• October 5, 2020
• By Pen
• 0 Comment

Considering the circumstances, we ARE spending our downtime staying positive and trying to figure out our next move, which is not easy during these COVID times.

We had a fun day, yesterday, shopping for supplies and getting set to be without a car, after being spoiled with one for four months! Having a vehicle in Istanbul is both a blessing and a curse. Istanbul is huge, so it’s nice to have the vehicle to get around on the main thoroughfares. BUT, off the main drags, the roads are tiny, and parking is a major headache; if parking can be found! Taxis are very expensive here, too.

We have explored Istanbul, quite thoroughly, already; far and wide, but it never gets old to us, so we will get out and explore some more!

Anyway, we got our running around done, then returned our rental car to the airport. We knew from our first visit here, we could take a bus from the airport for about $10. It is suppose to be about a 20-minute drive by car to and from the airport, but unless its the middle of the morning, this is not usually the case. We had brought lunch to eat on the bus, but no eating on the bus was allowed. 🤣🤣. The bus only has designated stops, from the airport to the city, but we got off at a destination as close to the “Golden Horn” part of the water, as we could. From there, we got a taxi for the final 15 minutes. THEN, we ate our lunch. Our chicken must have smelled good, because we soon had a visitor at our window, who was more than happy to help us eat it!

We did save about $25 by taking the bus. Traffic is unreal in Istanbul; seven days a week. It took us a lot longer to do the bus thing, but we had the time.

After arriving back in Istanbul, following our incredible road trip through the Balkans over the last four months, we got set up in a hotel within walking distance of a few small stores, and restaurants, but we also have a restaurant where we are staying. Breakfast is included in our stay, for the big guy. We recommend Anemas Cafe Inn.
There is a good metro and a tram system in Istanbul, when we want to get out to a greater distance. I also see another hamam visit in my future for sure. (Daryl is still not allowed to get a Turkish bath, for a month after his procedure).
So, Its a good arrangement for now. We also loved our stay on the other side of the water at the Galatoloa Suites, but this time, we had to search for bottom basement prices. We do not have a kitchenette for this stay, but we are adjusting our dreams, accordingly. Our landlord did provided a fridge for us to use, which was so nice, and Daryl has cooked steaks for us in the hotel last night; in an area available to guests. So, that’s working out and super great!

On our plans to try to get back into the EU, I did receive an answer from the Embassy of Austria:

Dear travelers,

Thank you for your e-mail.

As you know, the global situation is currently still very tense due to the unpredictability of the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19). Restrictive travel regulations, along with many other measures, play a central role in containing the virus and thus protect human lives.

The situation in Austria and in the affected countries is monitored, continuously evaluated and adapted accordingly.

According to the currently valid entry regulations, entry into Austria for the purpose of tourism is not permitted.

Best regards

Austrian Consulate General Istanbul

Köybasi cad. No. 46, 34464, Yeniköy/Istanbul

Tel.: (+90/212) 363 84 10

E-Mail: istanbul-GK@bmeia.gv.at 

……Soooo, Austria is not going to happen in a few weeks like we hoped. 😝

Given the winter status coming on, we may go someplace warm and wait things out. Maybe we can do some diving, too! We really like being on the move, and desire so many country visits, but border closures rule. We were well aware, when we remained “out in the world” traveling, following the pandemic lockdown, the statement of “be prepared to stay for long periods of time, when traveling outside your home country, during the pandemic,” was no joke. We WANT to stay out in the world

When will this Pandemic be over with? We know we are not the only humans on the planet wondering the same thing. We are all impacted by this tragic virus, in one way or another.

We continue to stay the course, as we have no desire to return home. Even if we are stalled out in the world, it is much more interesting and fun, than being stuck at home. Oh wait, we leased our house out, and do not have a home to go back too, without kicking out our tenants. We will not do that, either. We have wonderful tenants.🥰

We have two stored bags in Mumbai, India, we were to have collected by now, but can’t get into India, either, and the Hotel where are bags are at, is still closed. (we have been in contact, and they assure us our belongings are safe and can stay without issue).

We also have a stored bag in Bangkok, so perhaps our beloved Thailand 🇹🇭 is our next visit, if the border allows. We can handle cheap and wonderful Thai massages again, through the winter months 

Time will tell. 

Why do we LOVE Istanbul so much? That is hard to explain in short order, but here I go:

The Bosphorus

Major wars have been fought and many men have died for control of this strategic strait of water. The Byzantine Empire seriously neglected its importance, therefore helping the Ottoman Sultan Mehmed to take control of Constantinople and ultimately finish their reign.

In turn, the Ottoman Empire formed a fashion trend for the rich and fabulously wealthy to own summer houses (yalis) on the shores. These days, life is much quieter and the Bosphorus neighbourhoods can be explored on foot, or by boat cruises. We have done both.

Historical With a Rich Timeline

I am fascinated by the history of Turkey and since Istanbul was formerly Constantinople, the capital of both the Byzantine and Ottoman empires, it is perfect for history buffs.The old part of the city is a UNESCO World heritage site. There are hundreds of museums and Ottoman palaces to tour, which explains, perfectly, why the Ottoman Empire was disbanded, called the “sick man of Europe” and left for broke.

Food, Food, Food!

A blend of three empires, eight bordering countries, four neighbouring seas, and myriad ethnicities goes into the magical cuisine of Istanbul! Add to the mix generous amounts of Western gourmet influences and spicy flavours from Southeast Asia, and you’ve got some of the best food anywhere.

The Diversity

Napoleon reportedly once said, “If the world was only one country, Istanbul would be its capital.” In so many ways, travelers throughout the ages have agreed with this sentiment. Istanbul has always been a rich mosaic of people, religions and cultures. Synagogues rub shoulders with churches and mosques. Walking the streets is an exercise in parsing out what language you might be hearing at any given time, and diasporas from Georgia, Armenia, Syria, Egypt, Korea, the Philippines and dozens of other countries continue to add to the colourful fabric of the city.

Turkish Baths

Turkish Baths or Hamams, have played an important role in life in Istanbul since Roman times. These institutions served as social centres for men and women to interact (separately) and take a break from the whirlwind of everyday life. Today, visitors include both enthusiastic visitors and nostalgic residents who are keen to experience the cleansing rituals offered here – expect a steam room, an intensive scrub and a trip to the cool room to rehydrate and relax.

The rituals can differ depending on the bathhouse you visit and how much money you’re willing to spend. Istanbul’s best hammams include architectural masterpieces dating back to the 16th century, such as the classic Ottoman-era Ayasofya Hurrem Sultan Hamam, to the more simple baths like Çinili Hamamı, built in 1640 and popular among residents for staying true to the traditional experience.