Gals gazing at a sweet shop
Istanbul is by far one of my favorite cities in the world. Each time I visit, I wonder to myself why I am not living there. However, not living there might help it remain magical. Maybe one day I’ll change my mind, but for now, it’s always an enjoyable adventure, and I love joining people who are experiencing it for the first time. Plus, it’s a city where there is always more to discover, and it’s fun discovering new jewels each time I go. I have been fortunate enough to have had a handful of visitors in Turkey, and to have spent time with each of them in this mystical city. Here I will share a recap in photos of some adventures I’ve had with dear friends and family visiting from Oklahoma, most all of whom I’ve been lucky to know since we were children.
With Angela and Katie in front of a gentrified neighborhood
Galata Tower is one of my favorite landmarks
One must purchase a fish sandwich off a boat in Karakoy or Eminonu
Balik ekmek, or fish sandwich
Everything is fun with my parents!
So many boats pass through this straight every day
Katie and Angela in the Grand Bazaar
Carpet shopping in the Grand Bazaar
Turkish carpets are amazing
It’s often hard to make a decision
But there is always tea while you ponder
Fauna’s first simit!
kofte on the street
matching sweaters
There is all sorts of shopping to be done
Don’t forget to pick up some hamam towels in various colors
Bird’s nests
Istanbul has everything
Street art
“They call it chaos, we call it home”
There are so many things to see and do in this city, and this is just a small section
Yes it can be crowded in areas…
But peace and beauty exist as well (and so many tulips!)
And there are excellent views!
Not to be missed
Fauna and I on Galata Bridge
Welcoming my sister and brother-in-law to Istanbul
Their first Turkish coffee in Turkey
The coffees just get more beautiful!
Fun times around Istanbul with family
Inside the spectacular Hagia Sophia
Old and new merge
My fashion designer sister in front of HER bridal gown designer’s shop
The nightlife here is quite colorful
Jamie and I lived together my first year of university, and now here she is in Istanbul!
Carissa and Marcus and the Blue Mosque
This great couple will be parents come July 2015!
Churches are tucked away up and down Istiklal Street
The Church of St. Anthony of Padua is the largest church along Istiklal
At least stop in and light a candle
Istiklal is always bustling
A street car runs up and down Istiklal Street
So much doner!
Frothy ayran might be an acquired taste, but is eventually quite addictive
I think Fauna enjoyed her ayran
I absolutely LOVE pickles!
My parents in front of our apartment for a few days
Visiting my favorite vendors
There is character around every corner in Istanbul
Details
Mom purchasing simit on the street
Nevizade is always bustling
Selecting meze in Nevizade
Serefe!
Our last dinner with mom and dad, in the neighborhoods around Galata Tower
An SHS reunion of sorts, with new friends as well
Unfortunately, since it was a holiday, Kapali Carsi (the Grand Bazaar) was kapali (closed)
Mosques are magnificent
my good friend Fauna in the courtyard of Yeni Cami
A ferry ride along the Bosphorus is enjoyable as long as the weather is pleasant, and close-up views of Maiden’s Tower are a plus
Fauna and Sean enjoying the view on the Bosphorus
Istanbul by night
Goodbyes are the hardest, but at least we can look forward to the next meeting
I hope we will all return to Istanbul again someday, and spend more time discovering this amazing city together! Thanks, friends!
Taking Tea in Turkey 
absolutely love your photos- brings back such nice memories of our time there!! A photo book of Turkey by Latasha Wilson –Do it!!