After arriving in Istanbul very late last night (or should I say very early this morning) I quickly got into the swing of things this morning. This city is so alive, it’s pulsing, the vibe is wonderful.
I am as in love with this city as I was in India. Uh oh, another love affair.
What a better way to kick off my week of solo-traveling than a strong Turkish coffee?!
And breakfast of course. Their breakfast is just as I like it: savoury and not too heavy.
I walked around the lush winding streets that branch off the main street of Taksim (Istiklal Caddesi). The café scene is really on the mark, Turkish meets Europe, and they offer great simple menus.
I didn’t expect to come across so many vintage shops. The tiles make me want to have my bathroom inspired by a mosque.
Just off the main road mentioned above I came across two young fellows selling muscles stuffed with rice served with lemon juice. Words do not describe. DELICIOUS.
They were so friendly too!
If you haven’t had Turkish coffee before, here is a simple explanation: Roasted and then finely ground coffee beans are boiled in a bronze pot and served in a small cup where the beans are allowed to settle. Sugar is added to taste. This method of serving coffee is found in the Middle East, North Africa, and Turkey of course.
Cats are everywhere. I was told that they don’t get rid of them because they kill all the rats. Cats kill the rats. That rhymes.
I walked past this family and asked to take a photo of them because I thought they looked so wonderful. They then invited me for tea (called chai) and home-made walnut baklava. What an experience!
It may be full of sugar but hell, we only live once!
Turkish men dancing in the street.
Pickles as a side dish with my kebab for dinner.
And to finish off my night before catching my z’s, some more tea!
Tomorrow I have another big day, so keep tuned! 
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Damn you’re quick! These are wonderful photos, and those pickles look delish. And tea, obvi. BON VOYAGE LOVE!!!!
well done Olivia
I spent two weeks in Turkey last winter and came back to Paris completely addicted to Turkish tea! Seeing those little cups brings back so many memories
Istanbul was such a sensory overload.. enjoy it!! And if you have time, definitely try to make a trip to Cappadocia — it’s so bizarre and otherworldly!
Beautiful photos! And what a lovely experience with that family
I particularly love that photo of the Turkish coffee – it looks like it’s been set up but it’s just a moment captured in time. All this is really making me want to go to Istanbul, but my next Europe trip probably wont be until 2014!