After a glitchy arrival, Marco and I are at the end of our first day in Istanbul. We visted the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, and plan on doing Topkapi and the Grand Bazaar tomorrow.
We have an amazing hostel with a great crew of folks from all over - some students who are guests at universities in Istanbul through the Erasmus exchange program, Europeans and Americans on vacations, and even two German guys who are stopping through on a road trip to Mongolia.
The hostel (hilariously called Bada Bing Hostel) has a lively common room, a book swap replete with travel guides (thought about swapping the 80's Lonely Planet for the new one they have here - hahah!), and a kitchen and laundry. Some folks are even throwing a party tomorrow night! Needless to say, we're definitely staying a day longer than we had originally planned. If you're ever in Istanbul and want to stay at a warm and wonderful place that sleeps dorm-style, Bada Bing is the best. It's within walking distance from both Beyoglu (big nightlife district) and the old city.
I'll do a big picture post at the end of our stay here - everything is incredible! Also, for the record, Turkish delight has ruined me on all other food for the rest of my life forever. Forever!
I was wondering about that brand new loney planet book!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the say :)
volkan