Just returned from a trip to Istanbul. It was terrific. The sites were wonderful (the main ones and smaller ones.) The Blue Mosque is a must see especially if you can observe quietly and respectfully in the rear during the late afternoon prayer. I suggest getting out of the main tourist areas and experiencing some of the neighborhoods. I encountered a group of school kids by the Feityeh Camii; they were so excited to meet an American and were anxious to practice their English. They even volunteered to accompany me on my walk to Balat. One played her flute for me! I stayed at an Ottoman style hotel in the Sultanahmet area. Great location. Easy to walk to the main sites, the covered market, Eminonu and surrounding area.. A Bosporous ferry ride is a must although the 3 hour stop at Anadolu Kivagari is too long. The people I met were kind, friendly and helpful. I got lost a couple of times and was able to easily get re-directed by local folks. (For women travellers: I was travelling alone and never had a problem; just need to totally ignore some of the heckling and attempts at conversation; I was able to comfortably walk to most sites in Old Istanbul.

<BR> <BR>Message: Thats right - boycott Turkey, and once again take a country's policies out on its lovely, warm hearted, friendly people who have nothing to do with making or enforcing the policy. Turkey is one of the most wonderful, beautiful, interesting and fun countries I have ever had the opportunity to visit - and I thoroughly recommend that anyone who hasn't been there yet must go as a top priority. <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR>

<BR> <BR>, and once again take a country's policies out on its lovely, warm hearted, friendly people who have nothing to do with making or enforcing the policy. Turkey is one of the most wonderful, beautiful, interesting and fun countries I have ever had the opportunity to visit - and I thoroughly recommend that anyone who hasn't been there yet must go as a top priority. <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR>

essage: On Lonely Planet there is an important discussion about this theme. If we in the west supports the vicious sircle that is developing in Turkey, this nation will end up like Algeria. Maybe we sometimes should reflect a little about the consequences of our acts? Observer2 <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR>-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- <BR> <BR> <BR>Author: Carolina ([email protected]) <BR>Date: 3/26/1999, 9:59 am ET <BR> <BR>Message: I just loved Turkey. I have been fortunate to have travelled extensively through Europe and Asia. Turkey is <BR>the best. The country is beautiful and the history incredible. It is the people that make the difference. The <BR>people are for the most part so warm, hospitable, well mannered, humble, polite and modest. I loved the <BR>East meets West. What a pleasant surprise to see rice cookers in the marketplace! The Turks eat rice, drink <BR>tea - chai, take off their shoes before entering a home and are very Asian in their sensibilities. I felt very at <BR>home there. <BR> <BR>One man originally from Uzbekistan stopped me in the street in Istanbul to ask where I was from. He said <BR>we could be related as he was very Asian looking. He then wished me well and went on his way. At first I <BR>was surprised to hear that Japanese women married Turkish men, but the more time I spent there the more <BR>I could see why. Turkey is also very popular with Japanese tourists. <BR> <BR>The people were also very endeared that I showed them respect and learned enough Turkish to be polite. <BR>This one man in the marketplace in Istanbul even gave me his 75th Anniversary pin when I asked him in <BR>Turkish how much it cost and where could I get one. He refused to accept any money or fruit so I thanked <BR>him profusely. He just nodded before saying good bye. In the countryside, I got into trouble as I would say <BR>merhaba and the people would be surprised and start talking to me! <BR> <BR>While I don't want Turkey too over run by too many tourists, I do wish more people would visit. Everyone <BR>hears about Greece, but Turkey is right next door. The Turkish people also consider Americans good <BR>friends. If you go, just remember you will need $45 US for a visa. <BR> <BR> <BR>-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- <BR> <BR> <BR>Author: diane ([email protected]) <BR>Date: 3/26/1999, 11:50 am ET <BR> <BR>Message: I agree with Carolina. I've vistited Turkey twice, and can't wait to go again as soon as possible. My experiences in Turkey and with the Turkish people have always been wonderful. And I will continue to recommend it to all of my friends. It's very annoying

I just loved Turkey. I have been fortunate to have travelled extensively through Europe and Asia. Turkey is <BR>the best. The country is beautiful and the history incredible. It is the people that make the difference. The <BR>people are for the most part so warm, hospitable, well mannered, humble, polite and modest. I loved the <BR>East meets West. What a pleasant surprise to see rice cookers in the marketplace! The Turks eat rice, drink <BR>tea - chai, take off their shoes before entering a home and are very Asian in their sensibilities. I felt very at <BR>home there. <BR> <BR>One man originally from Uzbekistan stopped me in the street in Istanbul to ask where I was from. He said <BR>we could be related as he was very Asian looking. He then wished me well and went on his way. At first I <BR>was surprised to hear that Japanese women married Turkish men, but the more time I spent there the more <BR>I could see why. Turkey is also very popular with Japanese tourists. <BR> <BR>The people were also very endeared that I showed them respect and learned enough Turkish to be polite. <BR>This one man in the marketplace in Istanbul even gave me his 75th Anniversary pin when I asked him in <BR>Turkish how much it cost and where could I get one. He refused to accept any money or fruit so I thanked <BR>him profusely. He just nodded before saying good bye. In the countryside, I got into trouble as I would say <BR>merhaba and the people would be surprised and start talking to me! <BR> <BR>While I don't want Turkey too over run by too many tourists, I do wish more people would visit. Everyone <BR>hears about Greece, but Turkey is right next door. The Turkish people also consider Americans good <BR>