Europe to Asia in One Little Boat Ride
Today İ hopped a ferry from the European side of İstanbul to the Asian side. Of course, as soon as İ arrived the rain started up again but didn´t last long. The area is called Kadikoy and it´s the real deal - nothing changed for the tourists.
İ had an authentic meal for 6 YTL (Turkish lira - $4 US) in a sit-down restaurant with a waiter. Unfortunately, there was a language barrier so İ just pointed to an item on the menu and crossed my fingers. The dish was called patlıcan kebabı and İ just now discovered that patlican means eggplant in Tukish. Live and learn. İ do have to admit that it was the best eggplant İ´ve ever had.
The boat ride across the Bophorus was great. You can see all three sectıons of the city at the same time: the original city on the European side, the area to the north across the Halic river, and the Asian side. The ferry driver got a little to close to a freighter for my liking but İ guess he knew what he was doing.
The photo is looking from Eminonu (neighborhood near Sultanahmet where İ am staying) north across the Halic River. The Asian side of İstanbul is to the far right (out of sight).
Nov 02, 2009 09:44am | amy
I'm happy you made it and are having fun! I am enjoying reading your blog.
Nov 02, 2009 01:43pm | Mom
This is great! It's like a history and geography lesson at the same time and this time I'm actually interested. Wasn't so much in high school. The note above mine must be from Sara's sister, Amy. Your sister, Amy, was here with me this morning and caught up on all your blog but had an appointment and didn't take time to leave a reply. She loved it!!
Nov 02, 2009 02:54pm | joyce
stephen i hope you are having a great time. the blog is awesome all the girls i work gather around my computer every morning to see your latest venture. please be very careful love ya your mother in law
Nov 02, 2009 05:07pm | Angela
Hey Stephen! Glad you made it and having fun! Be safe! The blog is a great idea!