ISTANBUL

It was a Constantinople of Byzantine, and now became Istanbul of Turkey. One side in Europe and the other side is in Asia, divided by the Bosporus strait. That's the reason why Turkey has always been described by outside world as a bridge between continents, cultures, and religions. Surely many argued that Istanbul is one of the most beautiful city in the world. You'll never get bored to see it. If you don't believe me, come and visit there or ask the Turks! :)

Last Summer on July 2010 I had the chance to visit this city for a real vacation, a perfect summer holiday. Lucky for me, Turkey were just lifted visa requirement for Indonesian, so we can get on arrival visa for 25 USD in Istanbul airport. I visited many places in Istanbul and stayed there for 5 days, not enough time to explore all the tourist sites, I couldn't visit Dolma Bahce palace because we need a reservation in advance to come. Every day we set off from my friend's home in morning and return back at night to visit so many interesting places, from Topkapı palace, Sultan Ahmet - Blue Mosque, Ayasofya, Kız Kulesi (Maiden's Tower), Üsküdar, Cistern Bastille, Taksim square, Kadıköy, Camlica, Galata Tower, Pierre Lotti Cafe, Grand Bazaar, Fatih Sultan Mehmet Mosque, Ayub Sultan Jami, Haydar Pasha Train Station, Adalar, to Panorama 1453 museum. I live in Umraniye with my best friend Nurullah Karaca and his brothers and friends.

I hope next summer I can come again to visit this amazing city :)


Here more pictures from Istanbul:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=192372&id=625812549&l=042a34e88e