Istanbul, Turkey – Bosphorus Cruise & Taskim Square

On our second day in Istanbul, we met up with Alev’s uncle Hamza.  He decided that we should do a cruise down the Bosphorus Strait.  While we waited for the boat to leave, we walked through this spice market.  They had tons of things for sale – lights, scarves, spices, teas, etc…..I sure do love markets like this!

We boarded for our hour and a half ride to the Asia side of Instanbul and I took lots of pictures along the way.

A nice view of the Galata Tower.

There are several palaces and government buildings along the way.

The boat makes several stops at different “towns” in Instanbul.

Hamza told us that many rich people live along the strait, you can see many big, beautiful houses.

Here you can see the two continents – Europe and Asia – separated by the Bosphorus.

Finally we arrived! We hopped off the boat and had a nice seafood lunch, then hopped back on and returned to the European side for the afternoon.

After the boat ride, for which I was mostly asleep, we took a walk around.

Us in Taksim Square.

There were 3 Gloria Jean’s on this one road.  I was so excited.  This was one of my first jobs, and one of my favorites – they have the best coffee! And now there are hardly any in the states. Seeing it definitely made me miss highschool!

We had to stop for coffee and tea to wake my ass up!

Some adorable street performers.  You know a banjo gets me every time.

Oh Turkish Delight – you were one of the biggest disappointments of my life.  Reading The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe as a kid, Turkish Delight just sounded so magically delicious.  But unless you like eating incense, its disgusting.

Everywhere in Istanbul are these little ice cream stands.  We didnt actually try it, because both Alev and Hamza said its not that good but the guys are entertaining and put on a little show of tricks for you as they prepare and give you your ice cream.

We are cooking dinner tonight for our lovely couchsurfing host and her boyfriend in Sofia.  Today was a  wonderful day of just walking around the city.  Hopefully I can get the rest of Istanbul up soon so I can get on with Bulgaria! Hope everyone is doing well this summer!