"A magnificent, magical place t ..." a Istanbul Travel Page by Alikatt

Istanbul is truly a rich city. Rich in history, natural beauty and cultures . It is actually a melting pot of many cultures to be exact. Its magnificent Bosphorus scenery seen from a high vantage point from either shore awaken the senses, soothes the soul and may inspire one to fall in love. The mosques, the palaces, the grandeur of its past is still visble today. It's delighfully entertaining with its endless array of nightlife treats and buka beats. No wonder the article of Newsweek's international edition this summer on the city referred to it as "Cool Istanbul." To me, it is magical and captivating - it cast a spell on me when I first came in 2000. I find myself coming back year after year. A city that spans two continents, Istanbul was once the seat of the Byzantine Empire followed by the Ottoman Empire. It has undergone sweeping changes over centuries yet to this day it remains vibrant and not at all stripped of its beauty and splendor. I would love to have the opportunity to live there...

One could never get bored nor hungry in istanbul. Having crossed over to Kadikoy via a ferry boat from Besiktas, I was in an adventurous spirit. I tried the fish sandwich - which is basically barbecued fish on a bed of lettuce with sliced tomatoes and pieces of onions between two buns. Not bad at all. I can't believe they cook them right on the boat on the Bosphorus! I guess if something burns, they can just conveniently throw the burnt thing in the in there! I ate it with Ayran, the salted yoghurt drink. People everywhere either stare perhaps in awe of me (I suppose they can't figure out where I am from since I'm tall and I look somewhat Asian) or they greet me readily with a smile. It's all good.

BTW, this summer of 2005, the only boats I saw selling fish sandwiches were in Arnavutkoy. I was told they were banned from Kadikoy now. I didn't see any in Uskudar either.

My friends had a NYEve bash in Nisantasi. There was certainly excitement in the air with the live musical performances on the stages put up of the occasion nearby on Abdi Ipekce Caddesi. The people gathered in the area for midnight celebrations. Beymen lit up when the clock struck 00:00 and everyone cheered! It was great to be with friends in Turkey to usher in 2005.. A wedding of a very close friend followed the next weekend. Then it was time to say "see you later" Istanbul...I'll be back.