Tag Archives | Istanbul

beer our savior

Roomorama Helped Us Discover a Local Secret

By on July 12, 2012 in Europe, Hostels & Hotels, Turkey

Locals smoked, ate, and drank raki like it was going out of business. There was a slight fog only cleared by the cool wet air that blew in at every open of the front door. The sounds of Turkish tongues clacked quickly in excited chatter. And there we were — the awkward foreigners trying hard to be at ease as we knew…

July 12, 2012 · Continue Reading · Comments { 1 }
Turkish lamps

Turkey, You Get Me

By on May 3, 2012 in Europe, Turkey

To be honest, I was surprised I’d like Turkey so much. I think as soon as we left Istanbul, Turkish culture became real to me. I always feel that big cities are too worldly – there are generally too many cultures in one place, and too exposed to outside influences, not to mention too big and fast – to truly understand a country’s overall culture.

May 3, 2012 · Continue Reading · Comments { 21 }
walking in rain

White Knuckles: Getting Out of Istanbul Alive Part 2

By on April 17, 2012 in Europe, Turkey

Our first taxi driver from the airport to Bahaus Hostel shocked us, but in a good way. His care at every turn along with controlled speed made the trip on Easter Sunday morning — in completely desolate roads — something on par with sightseeing. Perhaps for a minute I thought Turkey had learned to drive in the few months since my departure in October.

April 17, 2012 · Continue Reading · Comments { 13 }
bahaus hostel window

A Cool Time in Istanbul Starts at Bahaus

By on April 16, 2012 in Europe, Hostels & Hotels, Turkey

Pat and I wandered into Bahaus at maybe 8 am — much too early to check in, but we were still able to store our bags and enjoy the Turkish breakfast upstairs. That was when I knew that Bahaus was cool.

April 16, 2012 · Continue Reading · Comments { 8 }
mosque in Istanbul

Getting Out of Istanbul Alive

By on January 3, 2012 in Europe, Health & Safety, Turkey

When you travel in a country that is well-known for bad driving — notorious for it even — you might start to worry as soon as your taxi driver decides to answer his phone while driving at 80mph. Turkey is one of the most dangerous driving countries in the world. Here are my experiences from just 4 days in Istanbul.

January 3, 2012 · Continue Reading · Comments { 12 }
mcturco inside

What I Have No Shame in Doing on My Travels

By on December 23, 2011 in Europe, Food & Drink, Turkey

Is there something you do on your travels that gives you no shame but might be shamed in some parts of the travel community? You can read about my specific travel love that I don’t hesitate to share inside!

December 23, 2011 · Continue Reading · Comments { 23 }

23 Images of the Aya Sofia in Istanbul

By on December 19, 2011 in Europe, Turkey

The Aya Sofia is one of Istanbul’s most prominent attractions. I had no idea, however, that it would be so big… or so awe-inspiring. Rather than try to fill this page with a huge list of cliches and overused expressions, I figured I’d let the images do the talking for me. Enjoy!

December 19, 2011 · Continue Reading · Comments { 26 }

Journey on the Bosphorus River

By on November 9, 2011 in Europe, Turkey

Oblivious to the cold that would most likely accompany my time in Turkey at the end of October, one of the few things I really wanted to do while there was ride along the Bosphorus River… Read more.
Istanbul is an very large city, one that spreads across the shores of the Borsphorus River — a river (well… strait) which also

November 9, 2011 · Continue Reading · Comments { 5 }
turkish delights

I love hostels, but…

By on November 4, 2011 in Europe, Hostels & Hotels, Turkey

I typically enjoy a good hostel stay, especially as a solo traveler. However, after meeting up with Beth and Randy of Beersandbeans.com, I was happy to get the chance to spend the night in a Roomorama apartment in Istanbul. Read on to find out why it was so special!

November 4, 2011 · Continue Reading · Comments { 12 }
through the bars

Cold Hearted and Into the Cold

By on November 2, 2011 in Europe, Turkey

Anyone who knows me in real life knows that I am very far from being openly affectionate — with friends and with family. I hate, with a passion, the Australian way of greeting with cheek-kissing, even people you barely know. I hate it.… Read more
Even though I’ve come to accept it and therefore embrace hugging random friends on a regular basis

November 2, 2011 · Continue Reading · Comments { 14 }