Frolicking in Istanbul with Lindsay

When Lindsay came to visit, we did a lot of fun things right here in Istanbul. Lindsay was also very good about getting me to pose in photos. As most of my friends and family know, I love taking pictures of old buildings and such but I rarely think to put myself in the photo. So, thanks Lindsay!

Here we are on the ferry to the Asian side. This was Lindsay's first night in Istanbul, and her first trip to Asia! 

The Hippodrome is this really cool park between Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque. It is called the Hippodrome, well, because it is the old Roman hippodrome! It is also a great place for a spring picnic. Lindsay and I plopped ourselves right next to a Sultana's tomb, and feasted on some tomato bulgur and kofte, and fresh corn on the cob from a street vendor!!

Nice shot of us in front of the Blue Mosque. Lindsay, quite impressively, took this photo herself!

I knew Lindsay's trip here would not be complete without a trip to the hamam. We decided to go to the Cemberlitas Hamam, which is kind of touristy but easily the nicest hamam I have ever been in. And they gave me a student discount. For obvious reasons I was not allowed to take photos inside.

Lindsay and I met up with my friend Ceylan in her hood, Ortakoy, which is only 20 minutes walk down the Bosphorous from me. When in Ortakoy, you have to indulge in the street food. Ceylan and Linday are eating kumpirs, which are basically huge baked potatoes. They come with all sorts of toppings that I think Americans would find strange: cabbage, pickles, corn, olives, tapenade, mayo, ketchup, tabouli, cheese, hot dog pieces, and this weird pink sauce that no one has been able to identify. Lindsay loves baked potatoes, so we were all in heaven. Ceylan has big plans to open a kumpir stand in DC. I think she would do a booming business.

I took Lindsay to Emirgan Park to catch the end of tulip season, which is apparently only a very small window of time. We still managed to find a bunch that were still holding up and got a nice shot of Lindsay.

Lindsay took this picture without my knowledge. We are walking down Istiklal Street, a place I mention frequently on this blog because it is the heart of the modern city. I like this photo a lot because it looks like I own the damn place.

Lindsay and I went to the Prince's Islands to climb up the hill to the monastery and have a bodacious lunch. Lindsay is clearly excited about the spread. She laughed when I was trying to decide to order the eggplant or the sausage, and I just ended up ordering both.

Lindsay and I are out on the town at Riddim, Istanbul's premier hip-hop club. It was a really fun night, and I am pretty sure this photo speaks for itself. Yeah!!!