top of page
  • Instagram - Black Circle
  • YouTube - Black Circle
  • Facebook - Black Circle
  • LinkedIn - Black Circle

Turkey: Part One ~ Istanbul adventures with My Daughter

Writer's picture: Lisa Marie StaabLisa Marie Staab

I was beyond excited to meet my daughter in Istanbul!

It had been three and a half long months since we last saw each other. She’s just turned 18 and moved inter-state to chase her dreams at her university of choice.


I was super excited to reunite and doing so in a place like Istanbul seemed surreal and wonderful. And very 'adult'.


With a five-hour gap between our flights—mine from Montenegro and hers from Australia via Muscat—I decided to wait at the airport rather than meet at the hotel.


Istanbul Airport is impressive, modern, and nothing like the vision from "Midnight Express" I had in my head (which I admit, crossed my mind when I knew she was bringing in some vitamins for me!). The 5 hours passed pretty quickly with the help of wifi (once i worked out how to extend my free one hour) and coffee!


We were finally together in Istanbul—crazy!


With no set plans, we decided to simply wander and explore the city. Surrendering to the infamous "carpet man" who promised no pressure, we were soon sipping sweet, warm apple tea as he showed us various carpet-making techniques and styles.

It was an interesting experience, and true to his word, there was no hard sell—just the expected friendly persuasion.


Our first day was more about getting our bearings and soaking in the city vibes than ticking off tourist sites. Stray cats and dogs are everywhere in Istanbul, but we learned they’re generally well taken care of, with many sporting tags showing they’re regularly checked by vets. If you’re going to be a stray, Turkey seems like the place to do it!


With only a few days in Istanbul before heading to Selçuk to explore the ruins of Ephesus, we took it easy and enjoyed the moment. One particular morning, Phoebe suggested a walk along the Bosphorus, away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Best decision ever!

We were treated to the sight of a pod of dolphins cruising up and down, seemingly greeting everyone along the waterfront. Well that was a sight I never thought I'd see in such a big city.


Sights We Loved:

  • Blue Mosque: Yes, it’s a major tourist attraction, but it’s worth the visit. Just remember to bring a headscarf (a pashmina or sarong works great) and cover your shoulders and legs. We had a lovely interaction with a young Muslim woman at the information stand inside, who was happy to answer our questions about the mosque and its significance.

  • Bosphorus: How often do you get to walk from Europe to Asia? It’s a must-do! We weren’t interested in the boat tours; walking along the Galata Bridge and across the water was enough for us.

  • Basilica Cistern: Mind-blowing and absolutely worth the visit, even with the crowds. We opted for the fast track ticket, and despite the busyness, it was well worth it.

  • Gülhane Gardens: These beautiful gardens, right next to Topkapi Palace, were a serene escape. We visited on a Sunday, so it was filled with families having picnics. The gardens are also scattered with ancient artifacts and ruins, including a beautiful fountain with an underground cistern.

  • Grand Bazaar: If you’re not a fan of crowds, this might not be for you, but it’s a must-see at least once. We only stayed for about an hour, which was enough for us. We didn’t buy anything, as I don't really need anything however I'm glad for the experience.

  • Spice Bazaar: This was more my speed—smaller, fragrant, and filled with spices, tea blends, Turkish delight, baklava, and other aromatic treats. It was a lot of fun to explore... and tasty!

  • Tombs of the Sultans: Next to the Sophia Hagia (which we didn't get inside of) this was worth a fascinating visit if you're in the area. The tiling alone seriously impressive.


A Note on Costs: Turkey has become quite expensive, especially with the current AUD exchange rate. I paid more for a typical plate of grilled meats and accompaniments in Istanbul than I did in Milan—three times more, in fact!


Our Accommodation: For our first girls' trip with Phoebe as an adult, I chose a hotel that seemed to tick all the right boxes. I loved the idea of a rooftop bar for a sundowner after our adventures, but unfortunately, the rooftop was only used for breakfast. We did convince the concierge to let us have a beer up there in the afternoon sun, which was a nice touch.

However, our room was right next to the train line—literally—and the Turkish steam room was out of order (since COVID, apparently). The breakfast was amazing, and the staff were great, but the hotel could use a good refurb, especially given the current prices in Turkey.

So, my advice—do your research! I’ve heard that hotel quality in Istanbul can be hit or miss right now. On our two-night return after sailing the south, we stayed at a 4-star hotel outside the city for some relaxation and a massage, and it was a much better experience overall.



33 views0 comments

Recent Posts

See All

Opmerkingen


bottom of page