Best travelling experiences
From Istambul with love…
Travel notes
By Anja Dedja, Year 10, Elbasan, Albania
June 16, 2024
Note: all the pieces of writing by students in this blog have not been reviewed or edited by any English Teachers, instructors, or parents
When it comes to Istanbul, no trip is complete without a visit to the precious Blue Mosque and Sultan’s palace with its traditional features. To be perfectly frank, as it is one of the biggest tourist attractions, it can get very busy so the best time to go is during May. This is also true if you prefer a breathtaking boat ride at the Bosporus Bridge under the bright sun and, if you find it a dizzy experience, you can always enjoy a scrumptious dinner with a range of seasonings.
A leisurely stroll along the roads of the famous Taksim Square where you are welcomed by diverse shops, will be worthwhile. In my opinion, it is a prominent destination as you can find some great cafés, vintage-looking libraries and unique shops selling beautiful jewelry and trendy clothing. The Taksim Square is lined with 19th-century buildings and red vintage trams shuttle along its crowded streets.
Hunger is never a problem in Istanbul. The well-known restaurant “Sultan’s Saray” offers some delicious local delicacies. Without doubt, the food there was one of a kind. For two hours we walked and ate our way trough fresh recipes at this restaurant and enjoyed the tastiest home-made baklava with pistachio. Waste as much energy as possible and reward yourself with the diverse cuisine!
I highly recommend a visit at the underground museum, known as Basilica Cistern. It’s a place with mysterious vibes and just at the entrance you are presented to Medusa column bases covered in humidity and a show of turquoise, orange and white lights. This cistern was built in the 6th century during the reign of Byzantine emperor Justinian. (“Ancient Rainwater Harvesting: It Fell from The Sky and Became Worshiped …”) The eerie vibes along with the peculiar iron figures and their dark shades landing on the clear water just beneath the wooden crossing bridge create an atmosphere which is perceived as mystical by tourists. It’s a shame that it’s not a bigger place, as it has a lot of myths wandering inside the walls of the cistern.
Overall, Istanbul is, without doubt, a perfect place that offers many opportunities to spend a holiday with friends or family. Try to avoid weekends in summer, unless you want to wait in a queue simply to cross the road!
