Two Weeks Until Turkey!

Hey World,

In exactly 14 days, I'll be heading to Istanbul, Turkey for 36 hours of exploration before continuing on to my final destination, Italia. 

Both of these countries have been on my travel bucket list for such a long time, and I cannot wait to cross them both off before the end of the year!

Istanbul has a wealth of things to do all across the city, and it's going to be my mission to cross off as many sites and experiences as I can in a limited amount of time (and money).

Here are some of the things I have my eye on:

--> Taste kumpir (loaded baked potato) and doner (kebab)
--> Check out the Valens Aqueducts
--> Buy some glass lanterns for Casa Iringa (home)

--> Ferry down the Bosphorus and see Istanbul from the water
--> Get lost in the Grand Bazaar (without breaking the bank)
--> Buy a variety of spices from the Spice Bazaar

--> Purchase a God's eye bracelet, and one to protect my home
--> Listen to the Blue Mosque's call to prayer
--> Visit the Hagia Sophia

--> Soak in the views from Galata Tower
--> Drink Turkish tea!
--> Wander through Topkapi Palace

--> Eat dinner at Hamdi, a restaurant with 180 degree views
--> Take a soak and get scrubbed at a hamam
--> Cross the bridge into Asia, and then wander back

Can I do it all?! I hope so! I'm planning on going to sleep early and waking up early to maximize my daylight hours and get it all in. 

If you've been to Istanbul before and have any suggestions for not-to-be-missed places, restaurants or experiences, let me know!

xoxo,
M


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