we got a taste of the old to start our turkey experience, and ended with a taste of the new (and a taste of shake shack crinkle fries).
we strolled along istiklal caddesi, then rode the trolley back.
our friends recommended a day trip to the princes' islands, a chain of nine islands in the sea of marmara, and technically on the asian side of turkey. the islands have evolved from a place of exile during the byzantine era to a place where the rich built summer homes to a quaint, but a little run down (in the winter, at least) place to visit.
on the ferry, sage began coloring. a little iranian girl walked by and plopped down next to her, so sage happily shared. next, a little indian boy plopped down and joined in too. all the families migrated over to where we were sitting, yet none of us spoke the same language. the iranians handed out food to everyone as we watched our kids play together through gestures. it was one of those beautiful it's a small world moments.
there are no cars allowed on the islands. you get around by foot, bike, or horse carriage. i loved the sound of silence here. we took a carriage ride around the island past some pretty impressive summer homes and sweeping views of the ocean. i was also the only one who actually stayed awake on our carriage ride.
CATS everywhere all the time throughout istanbul, but swarming the streets of buyukada.
abandoned tea cups scattered in the galata neighborhood. tea and coffee are an art form here. we tried apple tea a few times...mmm.
we walked along the golden horn, trying every kind of baklava at karaköy güllüoğlu and checking out the fishermens' catch of the day.
turkish delight is where it's at.
haggling should be turkey's official sport. sage was thrilled when a shopkeeper tried to lure us in by gifting her a beaded purse full of snacks.
she's a rock star traveler.
nora, we'll let you have a mulligan for those few nights of jet lag/crying for hours.
i can't say enough good things about istanbul. we'd go back in a heart beat!
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