Turkiye and Istanbul!

One of my most memorable trips as a teenager was to Turkey.  Istanbul, Izmir, Cesme, and more……

Look to the Turkish Travel Blog by Natalie Sayin “8 Unusual and Cool Things to do in Instanbul”

8 Unusual and Cool Things to do in Istanbul

for a wealth of information about traveling to Turkey in general.  As for things to do in Istanbul, the article highlights:

Tony Bilby at The Blue Mosque

The Blue Mosque

One Day Street Art Tour – I’ve seen these pieces of art all over the streets of Istanbul during the times I’ve been there. Not only is the street artwork interesting, but the town in general is ancient and ready to be discovered. So many monuments to explore while you are there like the The Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, and Grand Bazaar to name a few, but don’t forget about the streets in general. There is so much hussle and bussle in this city of over 14 million and many different ways to experience the culture; starting by getting right out into the city streets.

Ottoman Jewellry Workshop – Don’t just stop there. There are a million places to find quality pieces of jewelry, beautiful gold and silver pieces that can be hand designed in just a few hours at a fraction of the cost compared to the states or elsewhere. Be sure, however, to haggle and get the price down. It is 100% culturally acceptable and expected that you negotiate price.  Never buy something at face value or without a conversation that brings the price down.

Street Photography Walk – This is a great chance to hone your camera skills as the article mentions and the images of the Hagia Sophia are the most popular and most polarized when talking about Istanbul.  Make sure to bring your best camera and include some pictures of yourself and the family in front of this unbelievable and ancient feat of architecture.

Istanbul Bicycle Tour – Bicycle tours are great for many cities.  I really enjoy and appreciate the Munich bicycle tour over the summer, but a close runner up, if not at par with Munich, is the Istanbul bike tour.   As mentioned in the blog, most if not all of the equipment is included, and this is a great chance to experience the sights, sounds, and smells of this ancient city while moving at a relaxed and enjoyable pace.

Mushroom Hunt – My friend told me many times about Belgrade forest and it must be such a divergence from the City. I look forward to exploring picnicking in this area the next time I head to the country.

The old City Flavours – This is great chance at Turkish coffee and baklava as mentioned, as well as the infamous Turkish doner kebab that I have enjoyed so much during my travels around the region.

Rowing and Sailing around Istanbul – I have personally never done this and I’m putting this on my bucket list the next time I go. This looks amazing and an excellent way to explore the old besieged Constantinople.

Tony Bilby

Also, check out the “davidbeenshere” blog by David Hoffman:

Tips for Munich Travel

Munich is potentially the most beautiful metropolis in all of Germany. Boasting history stretching back over half a millennium while simultaneously showcasing innovative technology in the way of the famed BMW museum, this cosmopolitan paradise beckons hordes of tourists to experience its one-of-a-kind personality every year. Between countless facets of entertainment and the intriguing history prevalent on every street, there is honestly no place I’d rather be. It is for this reason I’ve decided to put together a quick and easy guide so that you may truly take full advantage of the city.

Take Public Transit

I know in America, this can often seem like a foreign (pun intended) concept unless you live in one of the major cities. But the fact is that the public transit here is precise, pristine and quite frankly, nearly perfect. Don’t waste your money on overly expensive cab/car services when a perfectly functional public transit system exists to cater to the city’s inhabitants’ comfort. Clean and on-time, I really can’t say enough, but you get the point.

Visit Museums

So much history beats as the lifeblood of the city, driving the metropolis’s perpetual ambition to improve, which is perhaps evident in the the fact that Munich is constantly on the brink of emerging and exciting technologies. That said, you should pay a visit to the BMW museum. Filled with the latest luxury models and boasting all sorts of technology, the museum actually necessitates two separate buildings in order to house everything it has to exhibit. One space is reserved for a more car-oriented theme while the other area is often used to showcase different artistic creations. By infusing culture and luxury with friendly customer service, the BMW museum has been one of the most enjoyable exhibitions I have ever witnessed.

Take advantage of the nightlife.

Munich nightlife is an absolute blast when you take into consideration the fact that the city is quite young (mean age of 29). This leads to a vivacious electricity that immerses the streets when the sun goes down, as laughs and smiles parade around town in palpable euphoria. This said, do be sure to check out the original Hofbrauhaus bar. This venue is literally over 400 years old and boasts a remarkable atmosphere that is simply unparalleled. Get to know the residents of Munich and mingle with other tourists doing the same as you as you sip some of the most delicious beer available in the country. Although the options are fairly limited ranging from the darker dunkel to a lighter option, there is still something for everyone; and even if you think there is nothing for you, just risk it and give it a chance. I promise you won’t be disappointed.

I hope this helps during your Germanic travels. Godspeed and Guten Tag!

 

Tony Bilby, Beer, Munich, Germany, Travel

Munich Beer

Also, check out this video by viator.com: