I leave for Turkey then Italy today!!!!!!
 

I'm so excited I can hardly stand it! I will have almost 2 weeks in Turkey, then I will be visiting Calabria, Italy to see family for a week. Thanks to everyone who have answered my questions over the past few months. I hope to pay you back with a trip report!

This is very much worth getting excited about. Have a great trip!

Enjoy! You should certainly get a tan in Calabria! I love it there. Eat some for me.

I've always wanted to go to Turkey. Can't wait to hear about it upon your return!

Turkey is wonderful IMO and hope you have a safe trip.

Thanks for the good wishes!

Have a wonderful time! On other posts I recommended Istanbul restaurants Lipsos (Nevizade Sokak off Istaklal cadessi) and Bailkci Sabahattin in Cankurtaran. FYI, at Topkapi palace it is worth it to go with a guide, as it saves waiting in line to buy a ticket; not so sure the same is true at the mosques or Haga Sophia. For souvenirs, I was most pleased with Yurdan Carpet & Jewelry, Divan Yolu Cadessi No. 16 close to the Sultanahmet tram stop - nice things, fair prices. If Yavuz is working, he is great - no high pressure, good English. (Tell him Jim from Texas says hello!)

Thanks Seamus, I already had your restaurant reccs in my Turkey file that's printed out. I wrote down the store's info.

AP6380,

Have a great trip!!! We'll be in Turkey in September and are looking forward to your trip report. Bon Voyage.