It's hard to believe it's been over a year(and a busy one at that!) since I've been to Istanbul. I arrived after a ridiculously long day of flights to Houston, Paris then finally here. The flat I am renting is not available until October 2, so I am staying at the pleasant Pera Rose Hotel, nearby, in Beyoglu, a very Turkish neighborhood. It was admittedly nice to have someone help me with my luggage, turn on the a/c and order room service after the trip. I had a nice walk around the 'hood, thru my favorite alleyway or "sokak" sofyali sokak, made sure my favorite coffee shop, Deli-Bakkal was still there, even saw the Teddy Bear Man (Lynn and Stan?) so all was well in the world. Crashed hard and slept pretty much through with only the once familiar call to prayer waking me temporarily before rousing at 10:15AM local time. Much needed.
I slept through breakfast, so I made my way to Deli-Bakkal (that's Lynn and me at DB in 2006) for my soy cappucino and some country bread with organic butter and sour cherry jam. This cute little cafe is so ME! I hung out for awhile worked on the crossword, drank another coffee and wandered a bit up and down Istiklal, the main drag. There is a new Starbucks (now three on the street) and a new Gloria Jeans right at the top of the hill coming up from the flat. Nice for those pre-class coffees on the way to the studio!
In the afternoon I met some yoga friends at the Istanbul Modern, the modern art museum. The museum is in an old warehouse on the Bosphorous waterfront. It's a great setting. They have a neat cafe, where I enjoyed a fresh OJ waiting for my friends. Once they arrived we walked to the warehouse next door, where part of the Istanbul Art Biennal is showing (there are other locations around the city). It was a cool scene. After that we made our way back up the hill to Music Street, in Galata, where I got a first look at the new yoga studio. This is the third Yogasala location and I'll be teaching at all three.
The group was heading to 360, a very trendy spot for dinner, so I passed. Another early night in for me. I've got the window open and am getting street noises, but from 7 flights up it is pleasant. The air today seemed very hazy and polluted to me, but that might just be me coming from the Midwest. I have a great view of the Golden Horn, and many mosque spires, including the Sulemanyie Mosque. Istanbul is truly one of my favorite cities in the world and it feels good to be back!
Iyi aksamlar!
PS: In case you're wondering, I'm 8 hours ahead of CST.
5 comments:
Good for you to blog your trip. Weather here is beautiful. I'm glad you are not in Burma.
Me too. Things might really be heating up there.
Sounds incredible and you have just arrived! Hope all is well and can't wait to read more.
Lisa, so good to hear about your trip. I love the details. Thanks for keeping us up to date. Much love to you, amy
Ahhh, friends in exotic easterly places!! Sounds like this is going to be an exciting trip for you. I like the sound of a studio on an organic farm. Your little missive is inspiring me to get back into my yoga again.
Lots of love from Lisa xxxxxx
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