Bosporus

       Bosphorus is the water that separates Istanbul into two parts, European and Asian sides. Today we explored the European side of it. I think we are getting used to the heat somehow as the weather seems to be getting hotter each day but it doesn't really bother us. Our first stop was the famous antique region of Istanbul, Cukurcuma. This little town has that look and feel of old Mediterranean village look with narrow streets, cobblestone pavements and locally owned stores. As I was looking for my brother's friend Tom who owns a antique store here in Cukurcuma, I stumbled upon a cute little store where I found a 100+ years old stamp collection. Thought of uncle Nate right away. I know he will appreciate the collection of several country's stamps including rare ones. We made our way towards the streets and I took Ellen to one of my fav places, the French/Algerian Quarter. Spiral stairs wrapping around a steep hill as you go down towards the Bosphorus.

Fee Cafe at Algeirs Street

Famous Algeirs Street / French Quarter

We found a place that played old Turkish songs from 70s, which I love as we cooled off with piña coladas. There are so many pockets in this humanguous city where you feel like escaping. Next we stopped by my cousin Eliz's restaurant Ellissa. She made the place beautiful with antique decorations and unique artwork. Ran into my other cousin Julia there as well. Gotta love random things like that.

Awesome lunch with my cousins at Ellissa

European shot for Ellen @ Bosphorus

Turkish Classic 5 o'clock tea with Nargile & Backgammon

It was time to see the Bosphorus now and the perfect place to start off was Ortakoy. We did a quick and dirty version of the Bosphorus tour as we didn't want to waste the day in boat. 1 hour ride took us around both bridges and passed by many historical places, including the restaurant/ bar Reina that we we're going to have dinner later. Chilling out in Ortakoy later on was great. Ellen got some souvenirs from local jewelry makers. Later on we did the summer classic. Had a 5 o'clock Turkish tea, with hookah tool hydrate. Also played backgammon at the same cafe where they had water mist sprinkling evey minute. It was the perfect place to cool off and it was hard to leave that spot.

Dinner @ Club Reina

Love Cafe in Bebek

      As the sun was setting down we made our way to Reina. Hands down this is the most famous place in Istanbul to see the most amazing views of the Bosphorus. Had a great kebab dinner along with a Turkish Pinot Noir, Okuzgozu. 90 percent of the clientele were foreigners many of them were there for business. Towards the end of our dinner we saw a large yacht dropping of people right into the club. Felt like we were in Monaco! Our jeans and tshirt/tank top indeed got the attention of the bodyguard. Good think I made the RSVP and we came n earlier:)

To finish the night we went to Assk Cafe (Cafe of Love). This hidden little cafe is in the beautiful Bebek region of Boshorus. Having a French patisserie with some Cay (Tea) was amazing as we watched Asian side of Istanbul's lights were blinking on us. On my way back did our classic with Burak 1-on-1 time with Efes beer at the beachfront. If I didn't feel back home yet before NOW I did!!