Domini

Just returned from a wonderful 10 days in Istanbul, Turkey but beware of the man who drops his shoe-shine brush. Do NOT pick it up. He will insist on shining your shoes, ask for a Lira, and then grab the rest of your money. Beware the accordion postcard sellers who work in tandem. They will ask for $1.00 and when you reach for your money another man races out to show you his postcards, stretching out his accordion of postcards and hiding his hand while he attempts to grab the rest of your money. We managed to walk away with our cash both times but know others who haven't.

surfmom

... the ides of March ?

Aduchamp1

We are always aware of things that do not make sense or people who invade our body space.

saige

Exactly, what Adu said, be aware. This is just good general travel advice.

nytraveler

Well - yes, you really shouldn't allow yourself to be taken in by scams like this.

But that
s just part of being awake ins't?

Debs

Domini - See this is your 1st post - and thanks for the tip. How about a trip report of your Istanbul trip?

Domini

Thanks. My husband and I spent 10 days visiting our daughter and son-in-law, staying with them in Bakirkoy, seeing the sights of the city. Took local trains, mini-buses, or trams to get where we wanted to go. Personal reactions: We went to all the usual places but Hagia Sophia was expensive at 20 YTL--view of the outside would have been fine for us. Enjoyed Underground Cistern. Topkapi Palace also 20 YTL but the additional fee for the Harem was worth it. Grand Bazaar chaotic yet fun. Learned to make no eye contact with vendors unless I wanted to buy something. Small dishes, bookmarks, scarves were good souvenir gifts--easy to pack and inexpensive. Also spices from the Spice Market. Went to the top of Galata Tower but very crowded and disorganized. Can see wonderful views from the Old Wall on free walking tour using a book where we also walked past Surdibi Cemetery, old ruins, and on to the nieghborhoods of Balat and Fener. Taksim Square lively and fun. Nice little restaurant for lunch going down the hill on left side of Istiklal called Hala. Stopped for "cay"(pronounced "chai") which is basically tea or Turkish coffee to take breaks. Markiz Cafe (now Robert's Coffee) was charming stop for pastries. Took Bosphorous cruise on a sunny day. Weather-wise we wore layers and took an umbrella. If it rained it was usually too windy to use the umbrella and it even hailed on us once. Most days were pleasant but certainly jacket weather. We ate everything without illness although drank bottled water. Our favorite part was walking and taking in the atmosphere. We had no trouble spending our entire trip in Istanbul and could have stayed longer.