Asia and Europe

Right now I am sitting in Asia, did you know that? There is a European side and an Asian side of Istanbul and Cindy lives on the Asian side. The Bosphorus splits the two sides. I can now say I have been to Europe and Asia on this trip :)

The Bosphorus

Cindy and I driving from the Asian side to the European side.

Ok enough with a lesson, on to what we did, but I do learn something new everyday!

I am loving the family time in Istanbul. It has been so nice seeing everyone and getting to know Jon and Adelia. It seems like everyone has been sick in the house so on Tuesday night, 5:30 p.m., we went to the doctor for the kiddos. She even took a look at me, so I could finally start feeling better.

Little Miss Adelia, waiting to see the doctor.

After the doctor we headed home. Like I have said the traffic and parking is horrendous here, so it took a good bit to get home. We all relaxed for the night, hoping to feel better. 

Yesterday, was a lazy day until around 3. Cindy came back from her hair appointment and she and I went out. 

Cindy took me a central square where thousands walk. Istiklal Caddesi, Independence Avenue in English, is a big walking street with a lot of different shops and restaurants. We went and grabbed a Starbucks to keep us a little warmed up and we were off. We first went into a little photography gallery with gorgeous shots of Istanbul that were panoramic.

We hopped on a little trolly that goes down the middle of the street. So many people covered it. As we rode down the street, there was police with batons and barriers, as we looked a little further there were protestors. We rode on in the little vintage trolley but had to get out because the protest was bigger down the way. There were so many people blocking the way. 

After we got around the protestors, Cindy and I walked through the little streets, stopping in some shops and seeing what there was to see. She took me to the Galata tower, one of the landmarks on Istanbul's skyline. 

We walked back up to the top to meet Cagri, Cindy's husband, but as we came to the top, a big protest had erupted. It was a little scary but nothing too intense. It seemed more peaceful but the police were standing, ready to act. 

We had dinner at the Kitchenette, a great little restaurant. Afterwards we grabbed dinner and called it a night. 

Today was amazing but will update tomorrow. Until then x.