Finish Line: Istanbul

The last 7 weeks have been crazy. I don’t think I have done as much in so little time in the four years I’ve been on the road traveling. Just go give you a recap of the last, almost 2 months:

  • 14 countries: Czech Republic, Austria, Slovakia, Slovenia, Italy, Croatia, Spain, Switzerland, Germany, Liechtenstein, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria and Turkey.
  • 13 languages: Czech, German, Slovakian, Slovenian, Italian, Croatian, Spanish, Catalonian, Swiss German, Hungarian, Romanian, Bulgarian and Turkish.
  • 8 currencies: Czech Crowns, Euros, Croatian Kunas, Swiss Francs, Hungarian Florints, Romanian Leis, Bulgarian Levs and Turkish Lirias.
  • I’ve traveled across borders on buses, trains, planes and ships.
  • I walked from Europe to Asia….and back.

Hagia SophiaI haven’t stayed more than 2 days in any city since I landed in Prague (where I stayed a whopping 3).

Needless to say….I am tired.

I’ve really enjoyed the last 4 days in Istanbul. It has quickly become one of my favorite cities and when I revisit my favorite cities list next year, I’m sure it will find a place on it. The Hagia Sophia has quickly found a place on my favorite buildings list as well.

I now have a strong desire to return to Turkey and see more of the country. I’d like to go down the coast to Troy and Ephesus and well as going across the country to Capadocia and up to the Caucuses.

I’m about to get on what is probably going to be one of the worst flights I’ve ever had. I have to board my flight in Istanbul at 12:05am, fly to Berlin where I have to change AIRPORTS then fly to Stuttgart and then on to Vancouver. There is massive potential here for getting my luggage lost. I’ve been really lucky with my luggage the last 4 years and I hope my good luck streak continues.

Once in Vancouver I’ll be speaking/attending the 2011 TBEX conference.

I will also be speaking at the Gap Adventure store in Vancouver on Thursday at 8pm if you would like to come out and talk travel.

On Friday I will be hosting a meet up with my This Week In Travel co-hosts at Il Nido in Vancouver from 1-5pm. The event is open to everyone.

I hope to get back to regular posting schedule soon now that this Europe trip is over. I have a lot of great photos and a lot of great stories from the last 7 weeks.

Please stop by and say hi if you are in Vancouver!

19 thoughts on “Finish Line: Istanbul”

  1. istanbul… miracle city. i love to istanbul. i think so i cant live another city in the world…

    also i like hdr photo to…

  2. Oh man, that’s some intense traveling! My first reaction is to feel envious, but I know I would probably just be completely exhausted! The Hagia Sophia is also one of my favorite buildings…just stunning. The Blue Mosque and Basilica Cistern also amazed me with their architecture. So glad to hear you enjoyed Istanbul!

  3. Wow!!! I get tired after 2 weeks constant travel, I don’t know how you did it for 7! Sounds like an amazing trip, hope you’ve had a chance to relax now its all over!

  4. I don’t know how you did it! Thats a lot of traveling in such a short tiime my body would have given out on me. You must have been exhausted. Istanbul looks great though!

  5. I’ve visited a lot of Europe but sounds so fun to do it back to back! Hope you and your luggage get back in one piece!

  6. We did a “whirlwind” trip last year starting from Portugal and making almost 20 stops along the way around Europe before ending off in Istanbul. Given more time & budget, would prefer to stay longer in each place. Nonetheless, it was the most Amazing experience we’ve had yet. We’ve only been through the highlights, would definitely be back for more!

  7. That’s lots of travelling! I was lucky enough to be in Turkey two years ago, and I love it! Istanbul is amazing, but you should definitely travel all around the country!

  8. It must have been difficult to stay in Istanbul for only 4 days. The Hagia Sophia alone seems like a place I could spend days exploring.

  9. Do you advocate worldwind tours, of just a little bit in each place, or do you prefer staying longer than just a few days now that you have done some of both?

    • All things being equal, it is better to stay in a place longer. However, that isn’t always an option. If you have the opportunity see a lot in a short period of time, it is better than not seeing it at all.

  10. That Hagia Sophia is quite impressive. Going there directly after the Blue Mosque just blew my mind.

  11. WOW…. That is a lot of traveling….

    I hope you found Carmen San Diego..lol..

    Congrats on your adventures

  12. Wow sounds like a great trip, so many countries, cultures, food! I did a trip like that last year but gotta say spending twice as long in half the number of countries would have been a much richer experience.

  13. Turkey is great. We’ll be moving from Ankara to Cappadocia this summer. Definitely look us up next time you come through, and we’ll help you however we can.
    (note: website will be going live in September, Lord willing.)

  14. To say you walked from Europe to Asia and back again is an incredible throwaway line and I love it. How many pairs of shoes have you been through?

    • Yeah, it sounds more impressive than it really is :)

      Most of the shoes I’ve gone through have died for reasons other then wear and tear. I mostly wear sandals. I’m on my 3rd pair, but the previous 2 were thrown out because a strap broke and the velcro on the Tevas wore out.

      • When you visit Ephesus on your next trip I suggest you take in nearby Priene. Ephesus overawes with its monumental scale whereas Priene seduces with its intimacy and superb aspect – a great contrast and photo opportunity.

  15. It appears there’s another Istanbul convert in the world. It’s our favourite city. Glad you’ve enjoyed your time there and hope you get the opportunity to explore more of Turkey again.
    Julia

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