Istanbul, Turkey
In this episode, the FAQ is: What are the best theme parks for those in their Prime Years?
Today’s Destination is: Istanbul, Turkey
Today’s Misstep- Ask for specific directions and then listen better.
Travel Advice: Get a better exchange rate than in a busy tourist city.
FAQ:
What are the best theme parks for those in their Prime Years?
Answer: I think the best theme parks for adults are Disney. They have been friendly for generations, and you can always find someone to answer your questions, i.e., a cast member. You will pay more than for other parks, but you have the franchise behind you to almost guarantee you a good visit. Prepare ahead of time for any accommodations you may need. My friend Ron was in a wheelchair there recently and agreed that the multi-generation experience was good for him. Listen to some of my previous podcasts about Disneyland and California Adventure.
Today’s destination: Istanbul, Turkey
Turkey was a different type of experience, and I highly recommend you go there if you want to see some variety of culture. It is different from most places I have been to in my life.
First, it is centrally located near Taxsim Square at the Wabi Sabi Hostel for four nights, then the Second Home for two nights, plus the Airbnb with “Miss” for one night. With all my travel, I managed a budget one-hour massage, which I highly recommend here.
Here’s a Carpet store tale: I was asking for directions and encountered a man named Burak Solak who worked at the Red Apple Carpet store. He sells carpets, purses, and jewelry at his uncle's store. I told him to put an apple sign out front, but he disagreed. What do you think?
If you are solo like me, I recommend the day Tours: Try one of the Hop-on-hop-off $40 for 24 hours. Stretch that over two days so you can do a half trip in the PM and the rest in the next AM.
Museums: The Cistern Museum was an underground water system where you could see all the remnants from centuries ago. It cost $22 to explore and was cooler than the outside baking heat of the day, so it was refreshing.
The other I suggested was the Architecture Museum, which was recommended by John, a history teacher from Buffalo, New York. His family was also staying at my hostel. Coins, sarcophagus, pottery, jewelry, a quick history lesson in the Trojan Wars, Caesar bust statues, and earthquakes from 400 BC. x 2 is $16. I also paid the entrance fee for Edward, a young man traveling the world with few resources. I bought a souvenir Cloth bag $4, which had an image of Istanbul on the outside. I used that for the remainder of my trip.
I did get to experience famous sights like the Blue Mosque and many other parts of the city, which the Bosporus split. I removed my shoes, dressed modestly, and visited the mosque for no fee. Women had their section, separated from the men.
Hagia Sophia, across from the Blue Mosque, is one of the largest enclosed spaces in the world. It’s domed, marble, with mosaics and full of carved riches. I was scolded for showing my legs while sitting down and resting, so I covered them with a scarf. It was a church, a mosque, and then a museum.
The Grand Bazaar is the largest covered market in the world, covering more than 50 acres and featuring 4000 shops on 65 streets. I walked through several of the 11 gates, heard the noise, smelled the fresh earthly scents, and spent hours shopping. Try not to get lost in the maze.
Topkapi Palace was the center of the Ottoman Empire for 400 years. The treasury is the jewel room, with an emerald dagger, a Spoonmaker’s diamond, and enormous uncut emeralds. Think of history within this palace complex: eunuchs, concubines, sultans, and Greek and Arabic manuscripts are here.
I found some friendly branded hotels with names you recognize and went to the top floor for some great views.
I found some parks where I could explore and hike.
I ate at some diners and other restaurants.
Here’s one, for example…..
The restaurant in the Fatih neighborhood in Istanbul is: Hidden Garden. Instagram is @hiddengardentr
It is near everything touristy but off the beaten path, and I found it a delight.
Exchange: US $20 for 12 euros. Bad touristy rate.
Coming from Israel to Turkey was easy, except for the airport in Istanbul, which had only one Wi-Fi machine (in 2023!), and it wasn't very easy to find and access it, too.
Heading from Istanbul to Italy on Pegasus Airlines. The cost was $140.
Today’s Misstep: Ask for specific directions, listen better, and exchange rates.
My missteps in Turkey
Missing the pickup point:
I was getting off the hop-on-hop off the bus and should have been more specific about the pickup point. The driver pointed, but I did not pay attention. That caused me a lot of confusion. It was probably the busiest part of the city and under construction. I was dangerously lost and finally found someone to help me out after walking back and forth for a long time. It was maybe 30 minutes, but the heat was strong, so I was stressed.
Next time, ask for the pickup point.
Second mistake: Don’t try to exchange your cash in any Turkish currency exchange in Istanbul. I got 12 euros for $20 US, which is not a good exchange rate. I should have brought my debit card. Please don’t make my mistake.
Today’s Travel Advice- Money Exchange Woes
Don’t try to exchange your cash in any Turkish currency exchange. I got 12 euros for $20, not a good exchange rate. I should have brought my debit card.
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