NOTE: I’m a teenager so I’m still working my way through my “wish list” of travel destinations. This blog post was written by one of my featured bloggers, Kelli Walsh (aka Mom).
Overall, it’s a perfect blend of Europe, Asia and the Middle East, awash in colorful fabrics and aromatic spices.
Where I went:
Istanbul, Troy, Gallipoli, and Pamukkale. Sadly, I didn’t have time to visit Cappadocia.
What I wore:
I visited Istanbul in July. Since it’s a Muslim country, I dressed modestly in maxi dresses (with scarves to cover bare shoulders). But if you’re planning to visit the Blue Mosque, you’ll be provided with appropriate attire.
Fashion Tip: Polyester is a poor fabric choice for summertime Mosque couture. It felt like a Turkish bath under my abaya and hijab #steamy
I also brought a variety of shorts, tank tops and, as a proud alumna of the University of Southern California, I brought a football t-shirt when visiting Troy! #fighton
What I did:
Istanbul’s Old City
I started the trip exploring Istanbul’s Old City: Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Basilica Cistern (filming location of the Bond Film “To Russia with Love”), the Grand Bazaar and the Egyptian Spice Market.
Such an amazing array of vibrant colors, captivating aromas, and inspiring architecture!
Pamukkale
After taking in the urban energy of Istanbul, I headed for the countryside and spent a day soaking in the mineral-rich waters of Pamukkale (“Cotton Castle”). It’s the site of more than a dozen calcified limestone terrace pools and is considered the OG of spas—dating back more than 2,500 years. I also visited the impressive remains of the adjacent city of Hierapolis, which hosted some violent gladiator battles.
Troy/Gallipoli
On a different day, I took a ferry from Europe to Asia Minor across the Dardanelles, the site of the famous WWI Gallipoli campaign.
And I visited a replica of the famous Trojan Horse in Troia (Troy). If you’re a fan of archaeology, geology, Greek mythology (or Pac-12 college football:)), this trip is definitely a worthwhile excursion.
What I ate/drank:
Late night dinners in the Old City of Istanbul are generous and delicious outdoor family affairs. The Turkish people are very friendly and will make meal recommendations and strike up conversations. The food is a blend of Mediterranean and Middle-Eastern, with plenty of lamb, fish, lentils, olives, eggplant and tomatoes.
I would often point to several interesting items on a menu, and the waiter would continue to bring me food until I begged him to cut me off:) And the prices are super reasonable. The legal drinking age is 18; however, it did not appear that the law was strictly enforced. Although it’s a Muslim country, alcohol is readily available and widely consumed except during Ramadan. After meals, many diners will sip on Turkish coffee or smoke nargile (a Turkish version of shisa/hookah). This is Clara's Dad, Tom.
Social media musts:
The markets and mosques provide the backdrop for stunning photos. Istanbul is on the Sea of Marmara and is the gateway between Europe and Asia. Make sure to take photos on the water, although you can get a similar photo in Yekaterinburg, Russia! But that's another blog post.
My travel playlist:
Yorumlar