Restaurant row

We arrived at our hotel about 6:PM Monday night after a sleep deprived 10 hr flight from Chicago. The only thing on our minds once we were settled at the hotel was to find some dinner. Only 1 block from our hotel was “Restaurant row”. The narrow street was lined on both sides for more blocks than we traversed. Each restaurant was adorned in a different style, all plush with beautiful drapes, seating cushions and furnishings and a unique old world charm. We wanted to try all of them. In font of each restaurant stood a vivacious barker, a person that tries to entice the guest into their place. We heard the wildest stories as to why their place was better than all the rest.

Mark has the least tolerance to these hawkers and he has only two responses. He either walks past them completely ignoring even the slightest contact with them, or he immediately gives in to their offer. (As a side note, never ever go with Mark to a timeshare presentation, but that is for a different blog). I, on the other hand, enjoy the interaction with them and listen to everyone’s plea before I decline and move on. Unlike some of our previous trips with similar hawking, these people are impeccably kind. If you decline, they don’t follow you down the street, they acknowledge your choice, wish you the best, and perhaps hand you a business card, and wave you on with blessings. Many of them make their plea with humor, “Please remember when you are ready to spend your money that I am waiting her for you.”

Istanbul is truly a unique experience and a destination unlike any in the world. Turkey is the only country in the world that spans two continents and it does so right down the middle of Istanbul. The Bosphorus river divides the two continents. Istanbul is the only city in the world where you can have breakfast in the morning in Europe with a view of Asia and have lunch in Asia with a view of Europe.

The city is truly a gateway where many cultures collide and meld. It’s not only straddling two continents but it is also part of the Middle East and a Gateway to the Mediterranean and northern Africa. Hundreds of cultures all merge here and many unusual and unique customs and traditions can only be found in this city. It is home to over 13 million people, roughly the same population at the entire country of Belgium.

We enjoyed a wonderful meal at one of the restaurants and retired to our rooms for the night. As we made our way back through the crowded restaurants no one was stopping us anymore, as if they somehow knew we had already eaten. Finally one hawker walked up and handed me his business card and said with a very pleasant smile, “I now you already ate down the road but I will be here tomorrow waiting for you.” In a way we found that rather creepy but at least they were friendly about it.