What to do remember when you visit Istanbul:
1. The traffic has become worse. Especially during rush hours, a trip from the airport could take one hour or more. A trip to the market could be circuitous as your driver tries to find a better way for you or for him.
2. Negotiate with cab drivers. Sometimes they forget to turn the metre on. If they do, suggest your route or prepare to pay for an “unintended” city tour. From Besiktas (where our hotel was located) to the Spice Market, can cost Turkish Lira 30 or 80 depending on your driver’s needs.
3. Don’t look for pork in your meals. There is good lamb, beef, and chicken. The country has 99% Moslem population who do not eat bacon —except beef bacon.
4. Try the Turkish coffee. It can be served in the best hotels as well as market passage ways. The difference is the grit of the coffee (ground and left to boil three times with sugar)—it’s finer in hotels, and rough and gritty in the market.
5. Try Baklava sweets with tea. Choose your Baklava (prices range from Turkish Lira 40-80) depending on your choice of nuts, like pistachio and almonds. Choose a variety and take it with hot tea which is served in “sexy” glass cups.
6. Bring some food home. You can have them vacuum-pack your purchase of Baklava, Turkish delight, and even sausages!