Visiting the Galata Spice Market had me excited like a kid in a candy store. For an adult who likes to cook, there is nothing better than an abundance of fresh spices at extremely reasonable prices. In the end I bought a KG of Paprika (mix of hot and regular), some meat spice and Saffron in a vacuum sealed jar. This photo was taken in April of 2013, and I think … [Read more...] about Galata Spice Market in Istanbul, Turkey
Turkey
Dome at the Hagia Sophia in Istanbul
If you ever have the opportunity to visit Istanbul, you will likely check out both the Blue Mosque and the Hagia Sophia, which are located next to each other. I visited both during my walking tour of Istanbul and was impressed by both. If you go during the daytime with natural light shining through, it's tough to take a bad picture. You will spend a lot of time staring up at … [Read more...] about Dome at the Hagia Sophia in Istanbul
Sunrise on the Bosphorus River in Istanbul
The view from the club lounge of the Hilton Istanbul is hard to beat. You can see the all of the activity on the Bosphorus river, watch the sunrise and take in the lights at night. There are many distinct phases that the river view goes through on any given day, but something is always happening on the Bosphorus. … [Read more...] about Sunrise on the Bosphorus River in Istanbul
Spice Markets in Istanbul, Turkey [Photo of the Week]
While spices are used every day in cooking throughout the world, in the US we usually associate spices with small jars at exorbitant prices. It's not until you visit a true spice market that you realize just how abundant and naturally beautiful spices can be. During my April 2013 trip to Istanbul, I made it a point to visit the famous spice markets to see what it was all … [Read more...] about Spice Markets in Istanbul, Turkey [Photo of the Week]
Conrad Istanbul Hotel Review
This post is part of Random Hotel Review Month. Today we review the Conrad Istanbul Hotel from my April 2013 visit. Other Random Hotel Reviews: Westminster Hotel. … [Read more...] about Conrad Istanbul Hotel Review
[Friday Photo] The Harem at Dolmabahce Palace in Istanbul
Perhaps the most pleasant surprise while walking through Istanbul was seeing Dolmabahce Palace, an extravagant living space located on the banks of the Bosphorus river. Along with landmarks like Blue Mosque and Hagia Sofia, Dolmabahce palace is a must see attraction in Istanbul. While you are allowed to take photos outside of the palace, you are not supposed to be able to … [Read more...] about [Friday Photo] The Harem at Dolmabahce Palace in Istanbul
TripAdvisor Offers Free Kiva Loans After Posting Reviews in Countries of Need
I'm starting to think I love Trip Advisor. Not long after posting a review of the Hilton Istanbul on Trip Advisor, I received a triggered email asking me to donate a free $25 loan to an entrepreneur in Turkey. While I recently signed up for Kiva and funded my account and funded it with my American Express Gold Card to help entrepreneurs across the globe, I never turn down … [Read more...] about TripAdvisor Offers Free Kiva Loans After Posting Reviews in Countries of Need
Istanbul and Athens: Istanbul Walking Tour
Trip Summary: In January, 2013 Delta was offering very reasonable fairs from Minneapolis to Istanbul. My dad, brother and I decided to go to Istanbul when tickets were available under $800. Part mileage run, part tourism, part amateur archaeologist and part bonding experience, this trip involves 3 nights in Istanbul and 2 nights in Athens. Stay tuned as I review … [Read more...] about Istanbul and Athens: Istanbul Walking Tour
Istanbul and Athens: Hilton Istanbul Hotel Review
Trip Summary: In January, 2013 Delta was offering very reasonable fairs from Minneapolis to Istanbul. My dad, brother and I decided to go to Istanbul when tickets were available under $800. Part mileage run, part tourism, part amateur archaeologist and part bonding experience, this trip involves 3 nights in Istanbul and 2 nights in Athens. Stay tuned as I review Delta’s economy … [Read more...] about Istanbul and Athens: Hilton Istanbul Hotel Review
Family Voyage to Istanbul and Athens: An Introduction
Trip Summary: In January, 2013 Delta was offering very reasonable fairs from Minneapolis to Istanbul. My dad, brother and I decided to go to Istanbul when tickets were available under $800. Part mileage run, part tourism, part amateur archaeologist and part bonding experience, this trip involves 3 nights in Istanbul and 2 nights in Athens. Stay tuned as I review … [Read more...] about Family Voyage to Istanbul and Athens: An Introduction