It seemed only fitting to end where we had began.
When my American friends arrived two weeks ago, I introduced them to Istanbul via Taksim and Istikal Caddesi. We walked down this pedestrian-only, bustling street, stopping to see the sights such as Cikek Pasaji, Balik Pazari, Church of St. Antoine and Galata Tower.
When my American friends arrived two weeks ago, I introduced them to Istanbul via Taksim and Istikal Caddesi. We walked down this pedestrian-only, bustling street, stopping to see the sights such as Cikek Pasaji, Balik Pazari, Church of St. Antoine and Galata Tower.
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| The building of Church of St. Antoine dates to 1913. However, the church was first established in Istanbul in 1725. |
Last night, Jason and I decided to take our friends back to Taksim for a farewell dinner. We went to a small cafe that we like off of Istikal, feasted on simple etli d�r�m (meat wrap sandwiches), patates tava (French fries) and izgara tavuk (grilled chicken) and drank Efes beer. We chatted about the past two weeks we�ve enjoyed together and all the traveling we�ve done. (Luckily, I have a 2-week break to relax before the next set of friends arrive.)
For �dessert,� we were able to talk our friends into trying some yesil elma nargile (green apple-flavored tobacco in the hookah). Normally, I don�t smoke, but I do enjoy the nargile every now and then when we go out in Istanbul.
Taksim is always full of life and was a fun way to send off our friends back to the states.
Iyi yolcular!
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| Nightlife on Istikal Caddesi. Next time, I need to get a photo that really captures the bustling activity here. |