Istanbul: February 2015
Following up weekends in Taipei and Hong Kong with a trip to Istanbul. After visiting Asia from the eastern edge, t'was time finally make a trip to the western edge after all these years.
Istanbul was amazing-- so much history concentrated in such a small area in the heart of the city itself, yet, like Rome, there was history everywhere. Couldn't even hit all of the tourist highlights, let alone anything else, on such a short trip. In many places it's obvious you're not going to be able to take it all in in a single visit, but Istanbul makes this painfully obvious-- the allure to return is easier to appreciate after your first visit!
Day 0 - First half of the trek to Istanbul, from LAX to YYZ (Toronto) via Air Canada and Toronto Pearson International's somewhat odd transfer procedures.
Day 1 - Arrival in Istanbul, brief view of the city, and exploring Besiktas.
Day 2 - All over Istanbul's historic central area, plus a visit to the Asia side.
Day 3 - Return to the USA.