3 October, Istanbul
Haci Mimi Apartment 53TL

Probably the best way to get to know a city is on foot. Today Charl and I walked from our apartment to the Galata Tower at the southern end of Istiklal Street. The impressive stone tower was built by the Genoese in 1348. We chose not to ascend it as the weather is overcast; we will hope for a clear day on which to enjoy the 360 degree views over the city. After a lunch of fish soup we strolled the narrow streets near the tower then down to the Golden Horn, the estuary dividing modern Istanbul where we are located from old Istanbul, both on the European side. We took a Metro then to Taksim Square at the top end of Istiklal Street. This pedestrian street, and the lanes that run from it and parallel to it, are alive at all times, but particularly, it seems, on a Friday evening. Buskers entertain locals and tourists; vendors dispense roasted corn and chestnuts; Starbucks and McDonald’s compete with fish restaurants offering sea bass and traditional Turkish lokantas serving kebabs and moussaka; brand name clothing stores and art galleries tempt side by side; and fruit stalls and delicatessens offer imported luxuries like avocados and (sshhh...) bacon. Tonight we will eat at home – treating ourselves to BLTs (bacon, lettuce and tomato rolls) and to lokum (Turkish delight). The Turkish delight shops here are a wonder to behold with more varieties on offer than we have days in the city. Yum...

Galata Tower

Istiklal Street