Istanbul

[Rob and Anne Johnson]

We spent our spring break in Istanbul, Turkey and enjoyed what that crossroads city had to offer. We've been to some amazing places during our almost 36 years of marriage and Istanbul doesn't take a back seat to any of them. Amazing setting, wondeful sights, people, and food. Easy to get around and like any place you can live it up or enjoy yourself without breaking the bank. We always try to use the Hop on/Hop off bus when we first get to a city to orient ourselves. Along with the bus the tram provided easy access to all areas of the city. Our favorite meal of the year was had in Istanbul just up the street from our hotel at the Alaturka Cooking School. The owner and her chef give Turkish cooking lessons but also serve lunch and dinner, and the five course meal we had was amazing. Boat cruise on the Bosphorus Strait, Turkish bath, Blue Mosque, Grand Bazaar, Spice Bazaar, Haggia Sofia, and the Topkapi Palace were among the trip's highlights. Don't miss this place if you're in the neighborhood:) Budapest is next.