delightful madness

I’m now taking you back to Istanbul in May and our last day started of with a visit to the post office, just across the road and get the 44 postcards sent off – and then the ferry over to Kadikoy – my friend wanted to buy curtain fabrics. A very nice area with great shops, cafe’s and restaurants.

The ferry journey in the sunny morning was so amazing and we passed the Maiden’s Tower twice, my cupcake. We didn’t visit this time, but it will happen. The Maiden Tower (Turkish: Kız Kulesi), also known as Leander’s Tower. Even if nobody really know when the tower  was built, the tower’s architectural style is said by some sources to be from around 340 BCE.

What I like about Istanbul when it’s about shopping is that all shops lay in more or less categories – just like the Grand Bazaar. Our hotel was in an area with only technology, not much shopping there for us. But where Nia’s fabric store are is only shops for sawing and hand craft. Very smart system.

Don’t have a clue why I didn’t let Oscar work in the stores we visit, they where like candy stores, with ribbons, thread and laces in all color shades.

Back in Karaköy, did we take  The Tünel is a short underground railway line in Istanbul, Turkey. It is an underground funicular with two stations, connecting the quarters of Karaköy  and Beyoğlu. Inaugurated oin 1875, the Tünel is the second-oldest subterranean urban rail line in the world, after the London Underground. Perfect because it’s a very deep hill to walk up.

Up at Beyoğlu did we stayed on İstiklal Avenue, a very busy street –  visited by nearly 3 million people in a single day – and the famous historic red trams. It’s 1.4 kilometers long in total and goes up from Beyoğlu station to Taksim Square. A fantastic street for eating, drinking and shopping of course.

Also the street is the consult’s address of several nations including France, Greece, the Netherlands, Russia, Spain, Sweden, and the United Kingdom.

We walked the whole stretch – because Nia wanted us to have a sandwich at her special sandwich shop, Duran. We had a grilled chicken wrap and a soft drink, great sandwich – and we where seriously hungry – so a stop at the famous Mado Ice Cream was welcome.

Nia know that I love my ice cream and she promised that I should try the best ice cream in the world, MADO: a website worth visiting.

And I must admit that it’s the the best ice cream I had so far. Sorry, Mövenpick!!

The whole store and restaurant was just amazing. They had Baklava of different variations – and customers enter the shop all whole time to buy Baklava. A concept that started in 1992 and today they have 20 Mado Cafe abroad.

After the ice cream did we walk all the way back to Beyoğlu station, where I at first couldn’t find my ticket for the return journey on The Tünel. But I found it – a little late, because Nia had already bought me a single ticket. Typical me and very typical Nia, a heart of gold.

We walked Nia to her ferry and it was time to say goodbye – not fun at all and we were all emotional. We all know that we will meet again, but it was hard to see her walking away.

In evening we had a our last meal up in the old town at a restaurant I was recommend by a journalist and it truly lived up to his good words, “Zübeyir Ocakbaşı”.

We had a stroll up to the Taksim Sq and the nightlife was very busy – and it was time to go back to room 304 to back … it was time to say goodbye to the most magical and colorful city I ever been to. We had early departure from the hotel, Peninsula Galata Boutique Hotel, the following morning.

Istanbul, see you again 22th of Decmeber. I hope you’re ready????!!!!

“If one had but a single glance to give the world,
one should gaze on Istanbul.”
Alphonse de Lamartine