Trip out of my comfort zone: Day 4 - My evening in Istanbul

Dancing on my own

I woke up in a very good mood. This trip is turning into the best one for me so far. I even caught myself singing and dancing on my own while I was getting ready to leave my hotel room.

Outside I was met by stormy weather with strong winds and leaves flying everywhere. Still, nothing was able to affect my good mood! Serbia was nice and I would definitely like to go back and explore more of the local culture and food.

Later in the day I found out that violent protests erupted around Slavija Square just a day after I visited. I guess I was lucky in my timing, but I hope everyone is okay.

The bus is not on the board but it will come

I followed Google’s route to the bus stop where I was supposed to get on the A1 back to the airport. The A1 was not on the live board. It wasn’t mentioned as one of the buses stopping there and I started to panic a bit as I really wanted to get back to the airport.

Just as I was moaning about this situation on my vlog, the bus actually came! And it looked so much better! It was still a minivan, but it was modern, clean and air-conditioned. 400 RSD well-spent.

Cats and dogs everywhere!

Here I would like to address what is for me the best airline – Air Serbia! You are amazing! Because you allow pets on board. Me and Mr. Stitchison approve of your strategy to be pet-friendly and we hope all other airlines in the world follow your example!

I have seen many cats and some dogs at the airport and even asked one of the passengers – she told me that Air Serbia allows pets on board. I was delighted to hear this.

No kids, no water

I got stopped at security, though. A very strict female officer looked at me from head to toe and asked me: “You have kids?” I was surprised by the question, but said: “No…” To which she grabbed my water bottle out of my bag and told me: “No water then!” and poured the water I had forgotten to drink in a bin.

I am still unsure what the connection with having children is.

What to do at the airport

I was at the airport far too early, so I spent a lot of time and cash on Serbian pastries. I think this airport is one of my favourites. It was quite empty and I was able to walk up and down various corridors to kill time and do my 10,000 steps.

I have seen people sleeping on the floors like they were at home. I have seen big empty seating areas, so there was something for everyone.

On top of the fact I was being too early, my flight also got delayed as the plane from Antalya turned out late. Soon enough, however, I arrived in Istanbul.

I think I am falling in love

Istanbul is the craziest place I have ever been to! It’s loud and busy, and full of people everywhere. It’s buzzing, it’s colourful, it’s rich and exciting! It’s inspiring and electrifying! It’s huge but it makes you want to hug it all at once.

The bus ride

Taking the bus was a mistake – I am sure I could have taken the Metro to Central Istanbul, but I followed Google’s advice (in the end of the day, it was correct for the bus stop this morning) and got the bus. The streets are too narrow for buses here. Also, no one acknowledges trafficking rules, regulations or… common sense, to be fair. I am talking about people riding a moped at speed on the pavement while mothers and children do their after-school dinner shopping.

The traffic was so bad, I just left the bus and started walking towards Taksim Square.

On my way, however, I stumbled upon Damak Restaurant. I was hungry and also a big fan of Turkish food, so I had to stop by. Fast service, personable manager, delicious food – what more can you ask for? Oh, and of course, a complimentary Turkish tea for dessert. I really like Turkish tea! The manager even came after I finished my meal and sprayed my hands with a scented sanitiser.

Posh baklava shops

I have never seen so many posh baklava shops anywhere in the world! With so much choice it was hard to pick what I wanted to try. The baklava here is very tasty, sweet and they offer any kind you can ever imagine.

Everything is cheap

Prices in Istanbul are also very reasonable. For a big city, this surprised me. My dinner (which was so big, I struggled to finish it), cost me less than £8. I guess this explains why I booked a 5-star hotel for £56.

Everyone is friendly and welcoming

I have never had so many friendly chats with people in any other place I have visited. From the friendly shopkeeper, who was the same age as me to the young YouTuber who challenged me to have tea together. People would have a genuine conversation with you and will ask you where you are from, what languages you speak, even how old you are. I find this very refreshing. When you travel alone, having chats with strangers can really brighten up your whole experience of a place.

Cats! Cats everywhere!

Istanbul is the city of cats. And I love this! There is cat food everywhere and you can see that locals are really taking care of these symbols of Istanbul.

The Galata Bridge

This place was not on my list, but this is the place to be at sunset in Istanbul. I could watch the yachts passing by for hours. I took like a thousand photos from the bridge. There are platforms you can get down to purely to take pictures.

Busy

This is the busiest place I have visited as well. The streets are full of people, the public transport if full of people, the tea shops are full of people. The cafes are full of people. Even my hotel was buzzing. Still, I was feeling safe. At no point did I feel someone was even looking at me in a funny way – people just mind their own business and if you approach them, they will be friendly and helpful. Also, the cleanest metro I have seen!

Smoking in hotel rooms

I was initially given a “smoking room” – it even had an ashtray on the coffee table. The smell was so strong, I had to go back to reception and change rooms. I would like to mention the reception manager, who helped me as he was at the end of his busy shift, but he was still very kind and accommodating.

I am in bed now and I can tell you that soundproofing here is not great. But the bed is comfortable and everything is clean… Good night – I will see you tomorrow!