Fortress of Europe

Gulsen met me at my hotel at noon today and took me to University.  It was very nice campus.  I saw more trees on the campus than any other place in Istanbul – maybe. Gulsen had a surprise for me there.  We visited Tevfik Fikret'uress house.  He was a famous Turkish poet.  I was able to tour his house.  The majority of items in the house, including furniture we from when he lived and passed away.  The house was extremely detailed at every corner. 

 Tevfik Fikret's House

We then zigzagged through hilly streets to the Fortress of Europe.  This fortress was built over the course of four months by a thousand masons in 1435. I was astonished by this feat considering the steep terrain it was built on. Gulsen and I climbed the stairs to an incredible vantage point. It was the most exciting part of the day. We sat at that spot for about a half hour and cooled off in the strong updraft. 

Fortress of Europe

When we left the Fortress of Europe, Gulsen took me to a line of baked potato sellers. It was very unusual for me. The area is known for this, the baked potatoes and toppings. It was just down the street from one of the rich clubs, which i thought was funny.  Gulsen bought the baked potatoes and we sat at the side of the Bosphorous.  I enjoyed most of it – too much salt. When we finished our meal we then walked to a restaurant with rooftop seating and enjoyed a cold one.

Baked Potato

 Bogazici Bridge (Day)

Bogazici Bridge (Night)