Merhaba from Istanbul! We are writing to you from a cute boutique hotel in the European part of Istanbul. Last night as we wandered around Istanbul, we could already feel the makings of a life long love affair with the city. It has this inviting and charismatic personality that makes it impossible to go back to the hotel. It feels as if it is on a different frequency from the rest of the world, a frequency which fills the city with energy, it flits around every winding corner, it hovers in the air thicker than the Hookah the locals seem to love.
Right after we got to the hotel we decided that it was time to dip our toes into the water, out we went for dinner, as Professor Pysklywec, our trusty Turkey guide, and Professor Henderson, our trusty tourist, led us to the Galata Tower, recommending we start there and follow the windy streets all the way to Taxim Square. After a couple photos in front of the stunning Italian tower off we went to find some food.
We came across a lovely little restaurant down a side street, most of us opted for the falafel wrap and none of us were disappointed. After dinner, with a special dinner guest, an adorable street cat, the servers at the restaurant decided to make our welcome to the city just a little warmer and brought us some complimentary tea. We slowly began to meander back to the hotel checking out Turkish towel shops and juice bars on the way.
After we got back to the hotel we spent a couple jet-lag delirious hours getting to know each other, and playing some card games. Right now everyone is coming out of the woodwork for breakfast, we are all chatting excited about the day ahead of us. So for now this is us logging off.
Günaydın!
Awesome!