6.08.2011

Istanbul Treats

You know me so there is no denying it... one of the programs I was most looking forward to in Istanbul was shopping at the Grand Bazaar! I was there once before and I spent waaaay more than I should have, so this time I arrived with a plan! An actual to buy list to make sure that I focus and I don't overspend. I had things on my list like silver rings, beaded bracelets, a mosaic glass lamp, a hand sewn tapestry bag and a shisha. I messed up! I haven't bought ANYTHING!!! There were a million things I liked, but after my failed attempts of negotiating and careful... better look around before buying anything... approach the time we had to move on quickly arrived.  In my last desperate attempt to not leave empty handed I bought two overpriced harem pants at the exit, but that's all! I am disappointed a bit, but in my defense everything was way too expensive, the vendors were way to agressive and they are just used to tourists paying high prices for everything in this season! I guess we just need to go back off season! :)

Apart from shopping I was really excited to stuff my belly with delicious Turkish food and I did succeed in that regard! :) I'm now addicted to aubergine cream with yoghurt, hummus and couscous but less of a fan of the local sweets which taste like pure sugar. Everything was way to sweet for my taste! 

If you like olives and nuts, you'd be in paradise in Turkey! :)

I loved the way they serve Turkish coffee... with liquor, ice water and something sweet. Way to start a busy day of sightseeing (with booze! :D)


Overall I must say that it's worth visiting Turkey for the food alone! :)


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33 comments:

  1. gorgeous photos!!! the one with all of the bags is insane! so so jealous


    xxxxx

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  2. oh my wonderful. all the culture in these pictures is to die for!!! i need to travel the world!

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  3. How gorgeous! The bags are my favourite <3 What a selection - wow!

    x
    www.lostinthehaze.com

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  4. Seriiiiously makes me wanna travel! LOVE IT:) The bags are sooo colorful!

    www.tcupcakediary.blogspot.com

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  5. Beautiful pictures! I would be going crazy shopping at the bazaar!!! So many pretty things!

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  6. Your trip to Istanbul looks like a dream! Beautiful photos!

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  7. These photos are great...and I have to say I'm QUITE hungry now!

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  8. the colors are insanely gorgeous! i had the same thing happen to me in paris...i was waiting for the right deals and way too picky and ended up leaving with just a scarf!
    i love turkish coffee! did you know they read your fortune based on how the granules form inside your cup? :)

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  9. wow wow this place looks magical! xx

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  10. I was just there on vacation and it is just as beautiful as you described. The food is amazing, the sights are breathtaking, and the men are drop-dead-gorgeous :)


    bonjourbeauty.blogspot.com

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  11. This sounds AMAZING!! I so want to go to Istanbul! Love you pics, one day I will scout that market as well (and I know it will be one of my favs too ;)

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  12. what gorgeous and inspirational imagery. I love it all. The bags are lovely. So detailed.

    Bren-
    B So Chic!
    http://www.bsochic.blogspot.com

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  13. Oh my gosh... gorgeous!! I love these photos. I wouldn't have been able to stay on track with a list, either! Goodness, the colors are beautiful!

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  14. ohhh..i can't see those photo!i want to come there againe!

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  15. Awesome pics! I so want to visit Turkey. I nearly made it there accidentally once - I almost missed my train stop in the former Yugoslavia! LOL - silly story! Anyway - I am now wanting to go to Turkey again... sigh... maybe one day when the hubby feels better! Cheers!

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  16. Awesome pics! I so want to visit Turkey. I nearly made it there accidentally once - I almost missed my train stop in the former Yugoslavia! LOL - silly story! Anyway - I am now wanting to go to Turkey again... sigh... maybe one day when the hubby feels better! Cheers!

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  17. nice photos! the market really looks nice. wish i can go there someday.

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  18. Istanbul looks really amazing!!
    I'm going to Turkey in July for the first time and your tips are really helping me plan my trip. I'm definitely going to check out the 360 restaurant and the Grand Bazzar. Thanksss and please show us more =)

    X

    Bruna

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  19. Yumm! The food looks delicious! I love olives!



    Xoxo,
    http://beatricebalaj.blogspot.com/

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  20. ha, I think I wouldn't have been strong enough not to buy one of these gogeous bags!

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  21. It's a shame you ddn't manage to buy much but the food and sights look fantastic!

    I've added it to my list of paces to visit!

    The doll on fashion

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  22. Im loving Istanbul, such a great place. And you are right, the food is incredible!!
    I think I also did not buy anything at the Grand Bazaar, far to many things; I was kind of lost :)

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  23. I am sorry for you, that you didn't get the chance to pick up some good stuff... Still I would love to go to Istanbul at least once! Always seems like a great city!

    x jeanne
    allthingssnice.blogspot.com

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  24. Thanks to this amazing photo collection I have put Turkey on my "must see" list for travel. Can't wait to hear more about this trip.

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  25. Oh man that coffee looks heavenly. And I love the shot of all the bags and tapestries. Looks like a wonderful trip!

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  26. That looks seriously amazing. I'm so jealous!

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  27. you should go to beyoglu / taksim, nisantasi, caddebostan for shopping. ps: Istanbul is expensive city :)

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  29. Ok to see the portfolios I can only imagine that if your purchase on this trip have been as amazing as the journey itself deserve to do a post and make us partakers of them hahaha

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