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.