The Sabiha Gokcen airport

My journey ends here: at the Sabiha Gokcen airport named after the first female combat pilot in the world. It is located on the Asian side, whereas The Ataturk airport is situated on the European side. Turkish flags proudly wave in the air and a cloudy sky says farewell.

Evil eye

You will see evil eye everywhere in Turkey, there are in the cars, homes, shops. People sell in the street little safety pins with evil eye on it. Still have mine in the pocket of the coat...

Time for Turkish coffee

Everyone knows that good coffee comes from the former Ottoman Empire.It is a big fuss about making it in a proper way, but it is not very complicated, although proportions are important.It is easy to make coffee too strong and too bitter. Usually, you don't drink coffee with your breakfast or lunch, but separately or with a piece of baklava. These beautiful porcelain is a popular gift for newly married couples. Believe me, coffee in this lovely cups just tastes better!

The fun fair

There are big shopping centres in the middle of housing estates. Lots of shops, outlets, bars and restaurants.Kifa-Tesco is popular with huge variety of vegs, fruits, cheeses, fish. You can find small cinema around and - like in this picture- a big fun fair full of lights. In some places, going to the shopping centre or the fun fair, is one of the most available entertaining option.

Colours of living

The land on the Asian part of Istanbul is mostly covered by houses, blocks of flats and villas where people live but commute to work on the European side. There are little tea houses,cafes,local shops and big shopping centres. The new mosques are still built and their shapes diverse the architecture of countless houses.

Young population?

The population of Turkey is young, it is said that the people in their late twenties is the biggest demographic group in Istanbul. The centre of the city gets very busy in the evenings with vibrant clubs, restaurants, bars and lots of young people around.

Shopping, Istiklal Avenue

A bit of world in one city? They say that West meets East in Istanbul, not only because of geographical location. There are lots of popular, European brands on high street in Istanbul as well as many outlets, so you can get a really good bargain.

Music from İstiklal Avenue

There are many places and scenes,which make you to stop while you are walking along Istiklal Avenue. The local artists performing their music and using original instruments are not a rare view in Istanbul. One of the famous Turkish bands,Baba Zula skilfully combines traditional and modern elements in their music.

A historic tram

This tram runs along The Independence Avenue in the centre of Istanbul.The tram network in the city was closed in mid 60s ,and then restored and re-introduced again in 90s.The Independence Avenue is a pedestrian and a car-free zone because of many historic buildings.And the tram as a part of the heritage still runs along the most prestige street in Istanbul.

Galata Tower

Built in the 14th century, Galata Tower was the tallest building in the city that time. Nowadays, is one of the most famous landmarks and a perfect place to go out for a dinner or drink. There is a restaurant and caffe on the top floor offering you an amazing panoramic view of Istanbul. Streets surrounding the tower, are full of nice, small gift shops and music shops with original instruments. A good place for hanging around.

The train station

Taking a ferry or a boat in the evening is the best trip. All buildings along the shores are full of lights and shapes. This train station is called Haydarpaşa Terminal and is located at the European side of Istanbul. The station has an unique architectural style and other ferries passing by just add more colour to the scene.

The clash

The afternoon picture, somewhere far from the centre. The huge lorry carrying concrete driving off the sunset with mosque at the background. These three elements- the sun and hot weather, mosques and minarets and busy roads- seem to define Istanbul.

Food Food

As you may see, a simple meal which is a kind of doner, cola and chips are about 10 Turkish lira. But believe me, a Turkish cuisine has more to offer than only kebabs. Food is a very important part in the whole culture. Meals are very often served with yoghurts on the top or with ayran-smooth, salty yoghurts drink, very good for digestion. Lots of meat, but even vegetarian person like me, will find something delicious to eat. Variety of salads, plenty of variuos peppers, popular courgetes and aubergines, good seasoning and spices. Not to mention sweets -baklava, Turkish delights, cakes...

Taksim Square

Taksim Square is a centre of modern Istanbul like Piccadilly Circus in London. A meeting point, a place famous for restaurants, shops, cafes, hotels, bars, clubs. One of the main city streets -Istiklal Cadesi, The Independence Avenue ends at this square. Crowds of people. Beautiful architecture along the avenue. A perfect place for shopping or evening out. Colourful, tempting food displays from numerous restaurants are not easy to resist!

The Bosphorus Bridge by night

A feast for eyes! And just off the bridge you can buy freshly caught fish from local fishermen. You can see fish of different shapes and sizes line or pilled up on the tables. You can also see these fishermen doing their jobs with long fishing rods along the shore.

The First Bosphorus Bridge.

There are two bridges, First Bosphorus Bridge and Second Bosphorus Bridge, connecting Europe and Asia in Istanbul. Crossing the bridge you simply change the continent, which makes it an unique experience. The bridge is beautifully illuminated at nights and just shines with lights and neons. Watch the water full of colours and life!

View from a ferry

The city is full of buildings and seems to be rather cramped for space. Towers and minarets overlook the harbour and the strait. The landscape full of shapes, lines, colours - it a real mixture. The land is quite hilly so all architecture is exposed to your eyes.

The Bosphorus Strait

The Bosphorus Strait divides Istanbul between Europe and Asia, which makes the city an unique place. Taking a ferry is the quickest way to cross the water, and it is also cheap-one go is about 1,50 Turkish Lira. The whole journey lasts about 15 min and gives you a chance to admire city along the shores. You are also offered a hot tea on the board.

Istanbul from the bus

First impressions of Istanbul-busy streets, people, constantly beeping cars, hills, lots of buildings, mosques and minarets. It is really warm and city seems to shine in the rays of the November sun. We are crossing the Bosphorus Bridge to get to the Asian side of the city. We take the bus Havas, which goes from the Ataturk Airport in the European side, through the Bosphorus Strait to the Asian side and another airport-Sabiha Gokcen.

Sophia, the bus station, early morning

After few hours of tiring bus journey, we arrived to Sophia very early in the morning. The beautiful sky above the bus station is the only reward but there is little time left to admire it. We are taking a taxi to the airport to catch a plane to Istanbul. We are going with Turkish Airlines,which expensive though, provide comfortable seats on the plane and small, nice snack during the 2 hours flight.

Bulgaria, village Rawno

Here we are, it is time to kick off this blog with few words and pics.

I didn't use to travel a lot when I was a kid or even a teenager. Times were though, I guess. But now when I can enjoy freedom of travelling and there are so many place where i would love to go. My last trip was to Bulgaria and Turkey. I have been in Bulgaria on longer holidays but this time it was rather a short stay. Peaceful village Rawno hosted us for few days. The end of November reminded rather the beginning of spring, so this young donkey enjoyed a lot the green grass in the garden.