It all started with the Enrich promotion and as I looked at the list of countries on offer, Istanbul caught my eye. Of course after having watched the movie Istanbul Aku Datang, the city intrigued me (yeah I am cliche like that…at times)
The irony was we ended up paying almost full price for the tickets as I had to reschedule the trip due to work commitments (I should write about this 'sacrificial' work-moments one day)
But we finally went and I think the timing was actually perfect. It was the period of Eid Adha celebrations and the weather was cool at an average of 15C. And it also coincided with my wedding anniversary, so it was a bonus (for my husband) because my present came duty-free…. (see…sometimes you gain something better in return for some sacrifice)
beautiful Bosphorus
Like all other trips I like to plan my own itinerary. As usual, I did research (a lot of) on how to plan my days there, local tips, where to eat..all you can think of, including which tourist traps to avoid.
And for the first time I tried using AirBnb to book my accommodation. I super love the experience and with careful research (I did say 'a lot' didn't I), I found this perfect apartment. I was somewhat nervous and hoped that the internet pictures didn't fool me (remembering the scene where Lisa had to drag her bag up the stairs). I can't possibly do that with how much luggage I had (I am no light packer. I need to have my shoes for sightseeing, shoes for dinner and you know...shoes in case I 'feel' like jogging)
the view from the apartment - Sultanahmet where Aya Sofia is
floor to ceiling glass windows
where I even cooked 'sambal sardin'
I am never doing mainstream hotel again wherever I can find a good place with Airbnb. And looking at their latest listings, I might rent a tree house next!
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