"The Boys are Back in Town"

Two weekends ago Dustin flew from overseas for a lacrosse tournament to be held in Alanya, Turkey located on the Mediterranean Sea.  Of course I reaped the benefits when he stayed in Istanbul for a hand full of days.  When Dustin arrived it actually was my first full week of teaching my 5th grade and kindergarten classes - not the most convenient but I powered through it.   On Friday afternoon I took the trip to the Europe side of Isatnbul to Eminounu, where Dustin and Ali's hotel was.  That evening I took the two to Galata tower, where we sat atop the surrounding wall and viewed the many people visiting the same spot. From Galata Tower we walked down Istikalal street to Taksim Square.  We stopped at different shops and took in the atmosphere. (Last night a friend said on average 2 million people walk Istikalal a day).  From Taksim Square the tour guide lead us through a zig-zag of streets to a hidden gem of a view overlooking the Bosphorous and Golden Horn.  After gazing for a while we walked the boardwalk at the Bosphorous and took the ferry to Kadikoy on the Asia side.  We toured some of my favorite streets in Kadikoy and met up with Gulsen.  From here we ventured to "bar street" for adult beverages. We made some new friends that night too!

 Galata Tower

 Taksim Square

 Dustin and Ali sitting at the Vantage Point

 Drinks in Kadikoy

New Friends

The following day, Saturday, Dustin, Ali and I spent some time recuperating at the hotel in Eminounu before heading out with the majority of the lacrosse team who now had finally arrived in Istanbul. We hung out on the rooftop of the hotel taking in the view before going out for dinner with the gang - 20 strong.  We had a delicious meal.  I shared a 2 person order with Mike Livingston, who happened to be a coach of mine when I was in junior high. After dinner we went out for a drink as a whole group, but in the back of my mind I knew I wanted to take the adventurous kind to Taksim/Istikalal for the night life scene and I did. Once these adventurists were torn from the large pack we took taxis to a short distance from Taksim Square, since traffic was backed up. I feel like this maneuver built up the presentation for what these folks were going to walk into, literally. Again, 2 million people walk this street per day.  When we rounded the corner to Taksim, there they were, 2 million strong, walking in every direction.  I knew we would have a fun night.