TRAVEL AND LIFESTYLE DIARIES

I mentioned in an earlier post these ‘balik ekmek’ boats in Fatih located just off the Galata Bridge on the mouth of the Golden Horn. You can read it here: Istanbul: Eminönü Balik Ekmek Boats (Fish Sandwich Boats) These boats are traditional fast food joints on the quay that seems to be loved by many Istanbulites. I was really attracted to the localness and uniqueness of the place. Where can you find a fast food joint that has a boat as its kitchen? Every time a ship passes by the Golden Horn, the boats and the cooks bob up and down. Isn’t that just so cool? And then you’ve got the very low wooden tables and chairs, they bring me back to my kindergarten days in the 70’s. There is only one item served on the menu here though and that is the fish sandwich (balik ekmek). I quite liked the simplicity of the sandwich. Other ingredients added are lettuce and onions. The fish is cooked in a very modest way. There is nothing fancy schmancy about it. But it tastes good and is very fres...

There are many cruises offered in Istanbul. From the ostentatious dinner cruises to pushing it to the next level by hiring your own private yacht with crew, or you can go with the regular folks on the round-the-clock cruises in Eminonu, just off the Galata Bridge in Fatih. Just take your pick. Many of these cruises come in various durations as well. You want a short one? Check. A full-day cruise? Of course! The cruise thing was not really planned in my agenda. Before the cruise I was in the Galata area watching the Whirling Dervishes. I will post an entry about this special religious dance ritual soon. After this, I decided to go down to the Galata Bridge, thinking perhaps that an early dinner of fish sandwich at the Balik Ekmek boats  would do me good. It was here that I saw the hourly Bosphorus cruises anchored on the left side of the bridge (if coming from Beyoglu) in Fatih. Hmm, a Bosphorus Cruise... looks like this is an opportunity. I’m done with my day, except for d...