My favorite things about Istanbul
Living in Istanbul brings its ups and downs. It’s a massive city with traffic snarls and smog like I’ve never experienced but it also has a buzz unmatched. I’m yet to make up my mind about it as a place to live but it’s a city everyone should visit at least once. When the call of home becomes too loud to ignore these are what I’ll miss the most…
The call to prayer is haunting. I’ve been here over a year and a half now and it still gives me goosebumps. I’ll never tire of it.
The skyline of the old city is like nothing I’ve seen anywhere else. I could sit and look at it all day, soaking up the sounds and smells of the stalls and vendors. The Eminonu waterfront at night is like stepping back in time.
Lounge fm is the best radio station I’ve heard anywhere. I’ll be tuning into Lounge online all over the world for as long as I can still groove.
If you’re looking for an oasis in the city, Club Sporium is a sports and leisure complex in Akatlar above the Bosphorus. Work out, laze in the sun on the pool deck or head downstairs to The LifeCo spa for a hamam, massage or to see your blood live in action under the microscope in their well aging center . Satisfy your appetite afterwards at Hayal Kahvesi with the Saf menu of pure, delicious dishes.
Walk along the Bosphorus from Bebek to Kurucesme. Dwarfed by passing tankers and dodging the fishermen it’s a breath of fresh salty air. Saf are here too . Drop in for a filling wrap, a refreshing juice or smoothie. The Cubana banana is my favorite.
And to finish off jump in a cab for the 5 minute ride down to Ortakoy. Enjoy Turkish fast food at the stalls or sit down at one of the waterfront restaurants and take in one of the greatest views in Istanbul where the Bosphorus bridge hangs over the Ortakoy Camii. The old and the new of this amazing city.
Paul Harper
Filed under: Saf Restaurant, Istanbul, Bosphorus, city living, well aging, Saf, Hayal Kahvesi, Club Sporium, Ortakoy, live blood, lounge fm, Akatlar, Eminonu, call to prayer, goosebumps, waterfront, appetite, smoothie, banana, Bosphorus bridge, radio station on May 31st, 2008
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