Sorry for the long break. Too many things to settle yet too less time. Hopefully everyone still interested to continue reading here. Thank you so much to those who visit. When my life isn’t so hectic anymore, I’ll definitely visit your blogs. Back to business…

Where to sleep? We chose Sultanahmet area since most of the attraction are there. So we wasted less time traveling. There are thousand of choices with good prices. Just choose the one which suite you well

Where were we? Sadly there was never enough time to finish the whole Istanbul. Most of the time we were just wandering around Sultanahmet and Taksim. Once you’re in Istanbul, you should never miss Sultan Ahmed Mosque, mainly known as Blue Mosque, Haghia Sophia and Topkapi Palace. I’m sure while you are Istanbul you’ll be in Grand Bazaar and Spice Market at least two times We spent half the day in the biggest Prince Island, Buyukada, riding horsecar and eating seafood. If you wonder how modern Istanbul looks like, try visit Taksim and experience the hectic life of Istanbul’s people. When you have extra time, do visit places like Palace Cistern, Galata Tower, Dolmabahce Palace and Asia side of Istanbul. Not to forget, cruising along Bosphorus (the strait between the Black Sea and the Sea of Marmara).

One of the six towers of Blue Mosque is missing

Close up of the Blue Mosque from the front view

Hippodrome near Blue Mosque

The beautiful Haghia Sophia at night

Topkapi Palace accompanied by the full moon

From the main entrance of Topkapi Palace, you’ll able to see the Blue Mosque

Clock Tower at Dolmabahce Palace

This was captured during the Bosphorus cruise

One of the Prince Island

What to eat? Normally you wouldn’t want to miss the grill specialties. Choose either lamb, chicken, beef or turkey. Serve with some salad and grilled chillies, lamb is always my favourite Istanbul is also famous for seafood. For sweets lover, make sure you try Turkish delight and their various variety of confections. Rice pudding and baklava are a must! There’s this one food that I always remember when I think about Turkey. Mussel stuffed with rice, eat with lemons. The taste is priceless. I always wanted to make it myself but still I can’t uncover the secret behind this recipe. If anyone know, please pass it to me!! I’m begging you

The still undiscovered secret recipe. Wonder how they stuffed the rice inside mussel

What to shop? Skip this if you choose not to waste money. Hehe… but being a normal girl, I love Istanbul for providing miscellaneous stuff to be brought home. Scarves for sure! Shisha, antique lamp, leather, gold, shirts, porcelain, souvenirs and thousand more. I’m not going to list everything here. Don’t forget to bring extra cash since you’ll never no what you’re going to buy.

Green lamp that I wasn’t able to buy due to dry pocket

You’ll find almost any spices at the spice market

Variety of olives at low prices. Come and buy! :p

I’ll find some time to post more about Blue Mosque, Haghia Sophia and the Topkapi Palace.