Istanbul - Progress Update

Arrived in Istanbul and right from the beginning it was like: How does everything work here, how do we get to our accommodation?
Arriving at the small Halkali station was the first challenge for us (and many other Interrailers) to get Lira for the metro without an ATM or currency exchange office. Gradually, more and more people managed to buy a ticket and it took quite a while, despite asking for directions, until we solved the puzzle: One of the ladies at the counter exchanges (probably semi-official) Euro for Lira. Check.

Engin (our host) welcomed us very warmly, but our room was not ready yet. We could leave our luggage with him and explored Beyoglu, a district on the European side with many shopping opportunities but also nightlife. Coincidentally (we didn't have internet), we came directly to Istiklal Street. Here, up to 1 million people shop, eat or, like us, just stupidly stare on a daily basis over 1.4 km. 

There are a lot of cats here (we suspect that actually the cats rule Istanbul). 

Totally unplanned, Kathi and Peter also came to Istanbul and until we go back to Sofia, it seems like we won't get rid of them for now. To celebrate the day, there was an evening with cocktails, music, and a rip-off club. Especially Kathi will remember the evening (or not?).

We also went to the Grand Bazaar, which is like a labyrinth. And we went to the Asian side, where we enjoyed desserts and Cay (Turkish tea) for 2€ in a very nice café. In the evening, we took the ferry back to our neighborhood. 

So far, we have fallen in love with the city, 100% recommended. That's why we took on the challenge of changing our train reservation to Sofia and extending it in Istanbul. 

Oh, and if you haven't seen it in the photos yet: Kevin also visited a traditional Turkish barber (Emre) and came back with four less guinea pigs on his head :D