Will do!
If Suzzee comes in here & you have time, please report on your trip last year. We'd love to read about it.

I love Istanbul! I went with my parents and brothers before DH and I were married. I've traveled to many places, but Turkey is by far the most amazing place I've visited. Istiklal Street is great for its cafes and restaurants. We visited and prayed in the Blue Mosque which was just a surreal experience. We also took a day trip to Bursa, which is a couple of hours from Istanbul and I highly recommend it! It's up in the mountains and it absolutely stunning. They have the best kebabs there! I also loved Dolmabahce Palace on the Bosphorus, it's really spectacular.

I was so fortunate to go with a native Turkish person. She showed me around all of the sights and told me the history behind each one. She also haggled on my behalf at the grand bazaar so I got some amazing deals. We drank a lot of tea and smoked lots of hashish. It was such a wonderful week full of memories. I want to go back soon!!

Originally Posted by plumaplomb

smoked lots of hashish.

Was it flavored or was the water flavored? Do you smoke cigarettes? Did it make you cough? Would just like to try this sometime.

Vegas LL, here's a photo to whet your apetite!

Hashish is a narcotic isn't it?

I think VLL, you're confusing this with Argileh. That's that pipe thingi you can add different flavoured teas to.

Not that I've ever tried it but quite a few of my friends indulge in it.

Originally Posted by Vegas Long Legs

Was it flavored or was the water flavored? Do you smoke cigarettes? Did it make you cough? Would just like to try this sometime.

Aww, I am happy to hear that now merchants in Istanbul are not so agressive in peddling their wares but I wish things were that way when I went. I have to say that although it is beautiful, Istanbul was my least favorite trip I ever took because of all the pushy, aggressive merchants. They made me feel really upset because half of them followed me around and were really pushy and the other half pretend to befriend me and then tried to make me go to their rug shop. I really, really hated it to the point it really spoiled my trip. I would love to go back someday if they have toned it down. It really is beautiful.
That said, one of my favorite travel memories is walking at night when the sky was midnight blue, approaching the Blue Mosque and watching a flock of birds circling in the lights shining on the Mosque. I will never for get that. And I loved the chants waking me up in the night. So beautiful. Oh! I almost forgot that the best dinner I ever had was in Istanbul. I wish mezze would catch on in the US.

I just got back from Istanbul last week and LOVED IT. The ppl are super friendly, the food is amazing and the city is so so rich in history. I went to the Blue mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace and took a boat ride on the Bosphorous to Anadoul Kavagi (asia side) and had the most amazing deep fried mussels. I bought a hookah from the Grand bazzar at a great price and went to the Spice Bazaar. I'd got back to Turkey to visit other parts--I hear Cappadocia is fantastic!

Originally Posted by White Orchid

Vegas LL, here's a photo to whet your apetite! http://img179.imageshack.us/img179/8...elistanbul.jpg

WOW! Thank you! Wonder what hotel that is? I think we are going to stay at the Ciragen Palace.

I had no problems at all with the merchants in '08. Did talk to one gentlemen merchant who said the Turkey Visitors Authority has had seminars etc teaching them to not be so aggresive. To let us shop like we do in our countries. The TVA asked us questions near the port whether we'd come back, everyone said yes! I'm very excited for our trip, especially the Istanbul stay!

I'd like to bump this thread as I'd like to ask for suggestions.

I'm planning a trip to Turkey next March. I have about a week to play around with. I'd like to go to Istanbul and either Cappadocia or Ephesus. Maybe 4 days in Istanbul and 3 in Cappodocia or 5 in Istanbul and 2 in Ephesus? Recommendations? This will be my first visit to Turkey and from my travelling experience, the max amount of days I like to stay in a city is 5.

Hotel, restaurant, and shoppng recs would be greatly appreciated! Thanks in advance!

bump! i'm going there next month and would love to hear more suggestions...anyone recommend a good restaurant (but not too expensive)? any hidden gems you discovered? thanks!!

Originally Posted by plumaplomb

I was so fortunate to go with a native Turkish person. She showed me around all of the sights and told me the history behind each one. She also haggled on my behalf at the grand bazaar so I got some amazing deals. We drank a lot of tea and smoked lots of hashish. It was such a wonderful week full of memories. I want to go back soon!!

You smoked flavored tobacco pressed in blocks (called sheesa) not hashish! If you were smoking lots of hashish you would be in jail midnight express style lol!

I live in Istanbul! If any TPFers are coming, PM me for some advice! It is a GREAT city but it's hard to navigate around if you're on your own. I've been here for 2 years and I love it!

Hope Kayti is OK!

Heard about the suicide bomber. Is the spice market area where it occured?

Bumping this up for some recs on hotel. Going for three nights in January and it will be my first time .