I know this might seem like self promotion, but I am giving the link to an article that features our trip to Istanbul, March 2009. The writer Diane Daniel does freelance work and is published in the Boston Globe occasionally. She also has her own blog and she just posted an edited reprint of the Globe article. It is: http://bydianedaniel.wordpress.com/2...-won-her-over/

I have to make 2 corrections; the article has me referring to the Bosphorus at one point as a river and I have to let you all know that I know that it is a "strait"; the other correction is on the picture of the Galata Bridge fishermen. The mosque in the background is the "New Mosque", not the Blue Mosque. I took two of the pictures and a waiter at a small waterfront restaurant at the top of the Bosphorus took the other.

I also have written a trip report and this article compliments that.

It is a good, friendly, simple, unpretentious article.

definitely worth posting.

Thank you, I appreciate that.

The article is interesting. I enjoyed reading your report, especially how much you liked the water view from your room.

I liked the location of the Empress Zoe but decided on the Dersaadet because of the elevator; I thought I would grow tired of climbing stairs. I was very happy with the hotel and location (a bit south of the Zoe)loved being close to the Blue Mosque and spent a lot of time on the rooftop terrace -- it is fascinating watching boats of all sizes on the Marmara Sea.

I had been with a group tour and spent three days at the end in Sultanahmet. I thought it would be enough but it wasn't -- so I have to return!

Thanks for posting the link to the article.

I hope you won't be offended; it may have been a typo "this article compliments" should read "complements."

complements: something that completes or makes perfect: A good wine is a complement to a good meal.

I'm not offended. I actually thought it probably wasn't corect, but I was too lazy to check. So now I now for sure.