the worst thing about Istanbul

This isn’t quite so relevant now, considering all that’s happening right now in Istanbul. The worst thing about Istanbul is the unnecessary use of force by the police against protestors. But during more peaceful times, this is what made me seethe with rage during my time in Istanbul. The costumed ice cream servers. I have …

Soviet architecture exhibit

When I was in Istanbul, I had the opportunity to check out a photography exhibit on Soviet architecture at Salt Galata. It was a really interesting exhibit and was displayed in a creative way. I loved looking at the retro photographs and hunting for references to Kyrgyzstan (although it seems that Georgia, Ukraine, and [duh] …

the best Turkish coffee

This was my third trip to Istanbul and I was determined to drink as many tiny cups of Turkish coffee as I could get my hands on, so when I read this NPR article about Turkish coffee, I paid particular attention to the cafe mentioned in the first line, Mandabatmaz. The hotel we stayed at …

Istanbul is baby-crazy

I thought Kyrgyzstan was baby-crazy. I started an album on Facebook to share photos I snapped of waitresses and strangers (and some friends and family members) who would insist on holding Win when I’m out (usually to my delight if I was trying to have a nice meal without dripping lagman all over his head). …

Turkey, part 3; Istanbul…meh

My final days in Turkey were spent in Istanbul. Crowded Istanbul. Crowded, touristy Istanbul. I have to admit that I really wanted to like it more, but it left me feeling sour and grumpy. I’ll expand in a later post, for now, enjoy the photos. Inside the Hagia Sofia. Kitty. What a strange drink! Fermented …