I find Istanbul a bit challenging because, to be perfectly honest, I strongly dislike religion and here religion is so very present everywhere you go.
But if I can go into a church I can go into a mosque. I am yet to go into a Synagogue.
I find the aesthetics of the mosque appealing and uplifting. On the way in I’m asked to pull my shorts down over my knees - which is kind of charming because it’s been a long time since any part of me was cause for someone else’s temptation.
At night there are plenty of scantily clad women heading to nightclubs. I’m able to watch Liverpool dominate Manchester United at an Irish Pub. There’s certainly a tension here but the practicalities of making a living outweigh points of difference in lifestyles and beliefs.
There is very little of Rome remaining here in its eastern capital. The exception is the enormous cistern under the city built by Justinian around 580AD.
A great city in every sense.
Where I slept: Cronton Design Hotel: Lots of old world charm and well placed for the major sights.
Where I ate: Sankai by Nagaya: An original and pretty awesome take on fusion.
