Османская сказка. Ottoman fairy tale

The first trip to this amazing country. Before the trip, we chose for a long time, from Rome, Istanbul, Palma and the Canary Islands. Early May turned out to be not very warm and I wanted to quickly plunge into the atmosphere of bliss, sun, holiday and aromas. I'll tell you right away - you didn't guess! Although there is no need to complain. In general, the weather fell with rain, sun, cloudy days. A little bit of everything. . .

Istanbul shocked me right away! The chaotic movement of cars, street vendors, touts in the markets and cafes, a huge incomprehensible city. The first days, only taxis were used. To rent a car was out of the question. But then, somehow, everything settled down, cleared up, the metro became simple and understandable.

I started to like Istanbul! Our hotel was far from the main attractions. But with swimming pools, steam rooms, SPA procedures, and most importantly - next to the metro.

So, food. Everything is edible! Street food is delicious, no worse than in Switzerland or Austria. I liked the mixes of freshly squeezed juice sold on every corner. Lots of fish and seafood. We got to Ramadan. Cafes or restaurants with alcohol, it was necessary to look for more. Sweets are amazing! Prices are a little high, in my opinion. Especially in the hotel restaurant. Modest dinner, for two, plus a seven-year-old child - $80.

We didn't take breakfast on purpose, although we had breakfast a couple of times at the hotel. Buffet, pretty good. With a wonderful view, from the 17th floor.

Because of the holiday, not very lucky with excursions and sightseeing. Everything closed until 6pm. Fascinating view from the Galata tower to the Bosphorus! We walked the whole Istiklal street, from beginning to end.

On a sunny day, we went to the Princes' Islands. Definitely a must go! Plenty of restaurants with the freshest fish! Beautiful villas surrounded by emerald greenery. They took a cab for 100 lire ($20). True, the local Schumacher got caught, and out of the promised hour, they drove 45 minutes. It was not possible to find Trotsky's villa, and they did not really strive. We ate delicious fish soup, fish, cheese pies. The views from the deck of the steamboat are wonderful!

Impressed by the Grand Bazaar! So much so that we spent 2 days on it. We did not have a special goal to go shopping. Bargaining is difficult and long! They say that the price can be reduced, three times. What kind of patience is needed for this! And nerves! In fact, we managed to shoot down twice. We brought sellers to white heat... and they us. I had to buy more than once though. What is a trip without shopping?

I liked the people! In most cases, they gave way to their daughter a place in transport. They made small gifts. A feature of the Istanbul metro is the payment, at each transfer, from line to line. Somehow, we got confused on the subway and asked the guy. He kindly agreed to lead us to the right path. But on our travel card, there was enough money for one person. And there are three of us. In general, he used his. Are we often able and willing to pay for strangers? Especially foreigners!

Citizens of this country, very friendly. No aggression or familiarity. If, in the Dominican Republic, I was often shouted after: I Love you, then here - no. Only once, when I tried on a mink coat, one of the sellers winked at me meaningfully. However, neat and unobtrusive.

Bosphorus! Yes, beautiful! Definitely worth a ride on the boat. But, if you are used to the sight of rivers and seas - nothing surprising!

At the beginning, we planned to visit Istanbul and Cappadocia. During the week! But it's good that you changed your mind. 3-4 days, to Istanbul - very little. Especially if Turkey is for you for the first time.

Holy places - next visit!

We have come a long way, from rejecting this city to admiring it! And countries in general.

As for prices, hot corn is $1, Turkish ice cream is $4-5. A glass of good local wine $3-4. Food - depending on the rating of the restaurant, place, etc. Together, you can sit from $30 to $250. .

There may be places where it is better not to go. . But we did not experience any sense of danger or anxiety.

Titanic Business Hotel in Bayrampasa left a good impression. No frills, but good staff, comfortable room, hammam - everything is fine. We used it almost every day. Daughter liked the pool. . .

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A bar, in the room, is paid, but a daily large bottle of water, tea, coffee, bathrobes and slippers are free of charge.

Princes' Islands

Turkish Airlines, beyond praise! Two hours of flight, but the service is like flying for a day! They even feed! And tasty, with alcohol. We flew on Mother's Day, and they gave me a present! Cosmetics. Children are given coloring books, small souvenirs. After all, they can!

I had to fly to Paris. Although I would have bought a ticket, for Paris Airlines, they slipped UIA! This is darkness. For luggage - €110! For one suitcase. In Turkish it's free. Fly 3 hours and 20 minutes. They gave me a glass of water! By request ! When asked why they didn’t feed, the stewardess answered without batting an eyelid: so fly, 2 hours!

She blatantly lied to me! But I told her that on Turkish airlines, they feed even with a two-hour flight.

What else. . . When we were waiting for the ship to depart for the Princes' Islands, we decided to have a bite to eat on the pier, near the ticket office. There are tables, under awnings, you can relax, drink coffee. A group of Russian-speaking citizens sat down next to me. They were not embarrassed by a small child sitting next to them. So many mats! When you travel, you get rid of them. After all, I don’t want to compare, but there’s nowhere to go. The same way they behave in their families. And what will happen when they get drunk on vodka? It's scary to imagine. . .

Sorry for the digression. Well, where we do not! That's for sure! Our place is Russia or Ukraine! How we live is how we talk. And the Turks are great! Beautiful country, nature, customs, culture, people. . .

I'll be back....