Istanbul has long been the place where east meets west, the junction of Europe and Asia. The same is true of the crowds at the main tourist attractions: the Blue Mosque, the Hagia Sofia Museum and the Topkapi Palace.
After a while, you get used to taking off your shoes to enter the many mosques that dot the city. Women need to pack a scarf to cover their heads. This city was the centerpiece of the Christian world for many centuries before becoming the Muslim capital of the far-flung Ottoman Empire in 1453.
Many visitors come in large tour groups, but if you are alone or with a small, family-sized group, prepare to be hassled constantly by people selling everything from water bottles to maps to guided tours. We were followed around the Blue Mosque by a guy who insisted we visit his carpet store. He finally got the message that we weren't interested, but as soon as he left, we were set upon by another carpet guy and another. It is impossible to walk past a restaurant in the tourist zone without someone getting in your face to explain why this is the best place to eat and you should come inside. I know these are just hardworking small business people trying to make it in a tough economy, but I couldn't help but think of all the advice I've given and received about social networking to sell a product; if you get in the customer's face too much, it's a turnoff.
Our hotel in the old historic district is small and friendly. Its secret selling point is the roof terrace where we can bring our own food and drink to enjoy the evening call to prayer as the full moon rises over the domes and minarets. Another highlight of the trip: relaxing in a Turkish bath that dates back to 1453. Serious competition for Burke Williams!
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