Walking Istanbul (part 1)

An old city of deep faith.

Istanbul is a beautiful city. Clusters of white and beige buildings climb hillsides strung along a blue and aqua Bosphorus busy with boats. Narrow streets wind up and down the hills, framed on each side by bakeries, busy cafes, and apartment buildings dotted with drying laundry. Mosques are everywhere, some over a thousand years old, with thin minarets rising above all but the highest towers. Slender stone missiles that come alive five times a day, screaming out a cacophony of prayers competing for the faithful.

It’s a historic city, but it isn’t calcified by it’s past. It isn’t content being a play spot for tourist wanting a taste of an another era. Get away from the must-see tourist spots¹ and Istanbul’s long history becomes a backdrop to the good life. A stage setting of sublime architecture, making sitting with friends and family, eating great food, and sipping tea, even more fulfilling.