Istanbul

Istanbul was great! It started with a royal welcome by Corinna who invited me to have breakfast at a 5 star hotel. The following week was characterized by…

Exploring the city by foot

Fun evenings with Corinna and her colleagues

Heaps of delicious turkish food (I listed a few places below)

Visiting several mosques and participating in some of the 5 daily muslim prayer, to which I was always welcomed. This felt like a wonderful way to experience the mosques and islamic culture not only as a tourist but like a local (or at least like muslim tourist). Also, I often hung out in the prayer area after the prayers and meditated. One of the things I love most about Istanbul is the sound of the muezzins calling for prayer from several minarets simultaneously. Five times per day it fills the air and creates a very special and characteristic atmosphere.

Many many beautiful random encounters, out of which I just name a few: Alpaslan, a turkish teacher that taught me the basics of his language. Celeste, who works at Lokanta Kru and with whom I had coffee during her break. Trixi, a german woman that has stranded in Istanbul.

Note: Trixi is completely out of money and 150 Euro would be enough to buy her a bus/airplane ticket for returning to Germany. I already promised to help her if she doesn’t manage to get the money. Let me know if you feel called to contribute something!

Istanbul restaurants I liked

• Limon Cihangir Kahvalti Evi - best breakfast I had in Istanbul
• Lokanta Kru - They have a delicious buffet
• Köfteci Mustafa - Amazing köfte
• Wegain - Great vegan food!
• Kral Kokoreç Sirkeci - Intestine sandwiches
• Kalyatai Barbaros - Mackerel fish sandwiches
• ERZİNCANLI ALİ BABA - The bean dish and the orange dessert were great, and in the big mosque next to it volunteers explain islam to you (if you want)

Restaurants I didn’t (but would like to) try

• Fahri Usta
• Şehzade Cağ Kebap
• Pak Pide Pizza Salonu
• Bankalar Lokantası
• Nato Restaurant
• Şahin Lokantası
• Fish & Meat House (currently takeaway only)
• Sadrazam Mahmut Meat Restaurant
• Enistenin Yeri