Where We're at Now

Saturday, November 20, 2010

Although we are still posting about Greece, we wanted to let you know we are currently in Turkey. We are very surprised by this country that we both know so little about. The culture is beautiful, the scenery and nature is amazing (two unbelievable places that we can't wait to show you), the people have been some of the friendliest and hospitable people that we've come across yet on our travels. Lots to tell you about and some amazing photos to share... soon.

We're headed to Istanbul tomorrow. If you have recommendations on places to eat/sleep/see, please let us know.

-Yuriy

This is one of the seven wonders of the ancient world - the Celsus Library in Ephesus.

13 comments :

  1. Hi Julia and Yuriy! I've been following your blog for some time (was directed here by SFGirlByBay) and am amazed at all your beautiful stories and photos, and very envious of your travels! I was in Istanbul this past summer at the end of a month-long trip, and it was my favorite city.

    I had an amazing time staying at Bahaus Hostel in Istanbul. It's right next to Sultanhamet, which is where the Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque are. I'm not sure if you guys are looking for a bit more privacy, but I became friends with some of the most interesting people I've ever met here! Lots of Americans, Canadians, and Australians, and everyone is very social (there is a rooftop bar, so it does get noisy at night).

    As for things to see or do, walk along Galata Bridge, which connects new and old Istanbul. On the bottom level of the bridge (close to the old side, on the left side of the bridge if you're walking towards to new side), there is a stand that sells delicious grilled fish sandwiches to go.

    Ortakoy in Istanbul is an area that is a bit hard to get to, but full of young locals. Try kumpir here - baked potatoes loaded with toppings of your choice.

    The Egyptian Bazaar or Spice Bazaar is a lot of fun, and in an area that is a bit less touristy than the Grand Bazaar.

    Enjoy the rest of your travels, and thank you for sharing these beautiful photos! I can't wait to read about Istanbul.

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  2. Try Ara Cafe in Galatasaray - it's not too far off the main drag (Istiklal Caddesi) in the new part of town. Delicious food and a great place to people watch.
    If you have time, take the ferry over to the Asian side and visit Kadikoy. The fresh markets are unbelievable and you'll be the only tourist in sight :)
    Have a wonderful time! I love that city.

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  3. hey julia and yurly :)
    witt istanbul suites is an amazing place to stay in istanbul

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  4. Oh wow, that picture is beautiful.

    Turkey has always intrigued me although I've never bothered to find out more about it.

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  5. Hi Julia and Yuriy. Since a few days I am following your travel - it's amazing and your pictures are stunning!
    I bookmarked this hotel in Istanbul- http://www.kybelehotel.com/ - hoping to get there once in the next few years. Must be wonderful with all its lamps...
    Looking forward to your pictures of Turkey! Have a great time there! Greetings from Switzerland, ka

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  6. so random, i had a dream last night i was going to turkey! :)

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  7. i can't wait to some day follow your example and just travel around the world!! there's so many things out there to see!!
    i wish you the best of lucks!!!
    i'll be waiting for the next post!

    val

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  8. Wow thank you for the responses! I guess we have some well-traveled readers. The hotels you ladies recommended, Witt and Kybele, are gorgeous but way out of our budget. We have been staying in some cheap cheap places. Maybe we'll take a another look at them when we return in a few years for a luxury trip. :) We're really looking forward to the bazaars and those fish sandwiches (thanks, Lisa).

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  9. hi
    I found your blog through SFGirlByBay :)It is an amazing travel blog!! A friend of mine was in Turkey over the summer and she stayed at Sultans Inn. You can find on hostelworld.com even though its a hotel .... or you could read their website sultansinn.com.
    Hope you have a great time in Istanbul!!

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  10. turkey is a country i recently added to my list of countries i want to visit -well, it's always been there but it moved up several spots - so i can't wait to see your posts on the country. i think i would spend all day browsing the bazaars...

    i don't have any suggestions on where to stay but holly of the blog decor8blog.com was recently there and did a blog post on it - and i believe she's doing another soon...might be worth taking a peak.

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  11. Oh, I hate to be a nitpicker :( ... but that's not the Temple of Artemis -- it's the Celsus Library. There's hardly anything left of the Temple; it's on the outskirts of Selcuk. Blech, sorry, I just had to do that.

    I love love love your blog! I stayed in a sort of middle-of-the-road hotel in Istanbul back in '06; not sure what the prices are now, but we negotiated down to about $45/night. I believe it was something like "Sokullu Pasa," located very near the Sokullu Mehmet Pasa Camii and Kucuk Aya Sofya. Even if you can't find that particular one, hotels are chockablock in that area, and it's a short, pleasant walk to Sultanahmet. Turkey is such a complete delight for every sense; I miss it. If you go to Bodrum, go to the restaurant Nazik Ana. It's tiny and kind of hard to find (it's in a tiny street near the post office), but it serves great home-cooked food that is as authentic as can be -- and not expensive! If you can splash out a bit, I also really enjoyed eating at Havuzlu in the Kapali Carsi.

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  12. Gina, thank you for pointing it out! Better to fix it sooner than later.

    We stocked our little notebook full of all the names mentioned. Thank guys!

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