Istanbul - am I being paranoid?
#21
Join Date: Sep 2003
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deneka - I could have posted your same question before I went to Turkey in October 2003. I asked a lot of what could be thought of as "paranoid" questions that now I laugh at myself for -- since all my fears and worries over Turkish people, security, etc. etc. were all unfounded.
We even went during Ramadan, and I found out instead of it being a really somber event, it's quite a boisterous party around the Blue Mosque after the sun goes down and everyone can eat again (They only fast during daylight hours).
The most "dangerous" spots in Istanbul would be a Christian or Jewish establishment/house of worship -- if you could even find one.
What really amazed me was finding out how friendly, helpful and curious the Turks are about us. And they have a wickedly good sense of humor. Remember also that they are in the NATO Alliance and pushing for admittance to the EU -- so they are on our team.
Istanbul is HUGE -- there are a very diverse number of people there. You will stand out a bit, but not any more than you would in say, Athens.
Have a good trip, and try not to worry too much. It's a great city, and you're going to love it and wish you had more time there!
Jules
We even went during Ramadan, and I found out instead of it being a really somber event, it's quite a boisterous party around the Blue Mosque after the sun goes down and everyone can eat again (They only fast during daylight hours).
The most "dangerous" spots in Istanbul would be a Christian or Jewish establishment/house of worship -- if you could even find one.
What really amazed me was finding out how friendly, helpful and curious the Turks are about us. And they have a wickedly good sense of humor. Remember also that they are in the NATO Alliance and pushing for admittance to the EU -- so they are on our team.
Istanbul is HUGE -- there are a very diverse number of people there. You will stand out a bit, but not any more than you would in say, Athens.
Have a good trip, and try not to worry too much. It's a great city, and you're going to love it and wish you had more time there!
Jules
#22
Join Date: Jan 2003
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If you have fears, don't go. Everyone on this board has said "don't worry". What are you going to do if you get there and you are fearful. If I was single, no kids, I'd never hesitate. I'm neither.
I spent 4 days in Instanbul on a business trip several years ago. One of the guys on the trip (a Dane, go figure?) was robbed in his hotel room. The point? It can happen anywhere. No country or race has the market cornered on criminal activity. Is there a likelyhood that something will happen to you in Turkey? Probably not. Is it less likely that something might happen in Chile? Maybe.
Trust your heart.
I spent 4 days in Instanbul on a business trip several years ago. One of the guys on the trip (a Dane, go figure?) was robbed in his hotel room. The point? It can happen anywhere. No country or race has the market cornered on criminal activity. Is there a likelyhood that something will happen to you in Turkey? Probably not. Is it less likely that something might happen in Chile? Maybe.
Trust your heart.
#23
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Our family went to Turkey two years ago-two redheads and two blondes.It was a trip of a lifetime and the one vacation that hands down won "most favorite" in our family!We stayed at a Best Western in the old area by the Hippodrome and it was wonderful-had great rooms,breakfast,free internet and staff all for around $100 for 4 of us.Most of the Best Westerns overseas are individually owned and were formally old townhomes. The restaurant of the hotel for breakfast was on the top roof enclosed with a view of the Bosphorus that was incredible. We walked everywhere and really felt safe.We flew down to Ephesus for few days and loved exploring there. Our only regret was that we didn't stay longer. The Turks were wonderful to us and I sincerely felt safer there than I do when I fly everyweek to Europe for work.Go.....its later than you think and you won't have a regret when you come back.