Exploring Istanbul

After spending the holidays with my family, my boyfriend and I packed our bags and headed to Turkey. I spent ten days in the heart of Istanbul with the best tour guide, my boyfriend, and was lucky enough to be hosted by his family. From the moment I arrived, I was struck by how welcoming the culture felt. Everyone I met was incredibly kind and warm, which made the experience feel even more special. And of course, the food deserves its own moment. I could not get enough of the baklava, which officially became my new favorite dessert.

One of my favorite things to do while traveling is simply riding around and observing the landscape, and Istanbul was the perfect city for that. There is such a beautiful balance between busy city life, quiet family neighborhoods, and real nature woven throughout. It felt like a true escape from New York City and exactly the reset I had been craving. I learned so much about Turkish history and cuisine during our time there, especially when it came to breakfast. Turkish breakfast, or kahvalti, quickly became a favorite, with menemen standing out the most. I have already started attempting to recreate it at home.

We were lucky enough to see so many breathtaking sites throughout the trip, including Istiklal, Topkapi Palace, Dolmabahce Palace, and the Hagia Sophia. We took the ferry and saw the bridge countless times, which never got old. Our time was split between Europe and Asia, since Istanbul sits directly between the two continents, divided by the Bosporus. There was something so special about being able to experience both sides of the city and see how each one had its own rhythm.

Of course, we went shopping everywhere. I was on the hunt for things I could not easily find in the United States, and Turkish beauty products did not disappoint. I practically brought home the entire pharmacy. We also got to ring in the New Year in Istanbul, which ended up being the most fun New Year’s celebration I have had to date. I am so grateful to my boyfriend and his family for hosting me and sharing their city with me. Experiencing Istanbul through their eyes gave me such a well rounded glimpse into daily life, and I already cannot wait to go back.