{"id":3062,"date":"2023-05-16T19:26:53","date_gmt":"2023-05-16T19:26:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/?p=3062"},"modified":"2023-05-16T19:26:53","modified_gmt":"2023-05-16T19:26:53","slug":"sabbatical-week-25","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/?p=3062","title":{"rendered":"Sabbatical Week 25"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Intro<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Turkey! It is exotic. It is the link between Asia and Europe and yet its people consider themselves more or less Mideastern. Turkey is vibrant. Turkey is everything – the instagram pictures and youtube videos you watch, the disaster and its politics. Of course, its all notorious scams<\/a> (or yes, it’s a 3-pager and probably more than the rest of the world combined. It is not exaggeration. I have witnessed in actions myself).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Turkey is by no mean a poor country, not comparing to Asia. The desperation seems to rather not economically driven but perhaps cultural. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Influenced by various social media myself, I had this impression about Turkey being somewhat affordable but with European standard. Yet, I constantly found myself paying Western European prices but without<\/strong> its standard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Day 1<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

After barely 2-hr of sleep, I was up for breakfast that’s included with my hostel stay. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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View from my hostel<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Breakfast was surprisingly nice with free flow tea and coffee. Ham, cheese and fresh fruits and veggies are provided. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Had a chat with two African Americans who were in Istanbul doing a short trip. One actually lived in China and knew Chinese quite well. Very well educated and we had long discussions around world politics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Decided to take a walk around town and in time for the Old city free walking tour. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Oh, Marty, I didn’t you own a bike company \ud83d\ude00 <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Water front <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Quite a few tourists despite being early May <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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This was our first stop of the Free walking tour. This was the seal between the Ottoman empire and Germany right before WW1. Turned out, Turkey was on the losing side of the history <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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This was a gift from Egypt during Ottoman Empire <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Layers of people, or rather classes of human beings at the time <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Next was the Blue Mosque<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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It’s the only Mosque that has 6 towers (minarets) <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Another important mosque. It was first a church then a mosque. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Spring time<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Another ancient tower.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Interestingly, the grand bazaar closes on Sundays. Keep that in mind, Muslims celebrate Fridays not Sundays<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Our guide took us to a local restaurant<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The terrace view is pretty solid<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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First proper Turkish kebob – It was 220 TRY<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Later in the afternoon, I joined another walking tour that serves as an alternative to the morning tour where the focus is on the not so well known spots in the old town.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Shisha house inside an Islamic school house<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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University of Istanbul<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Tombs of the Sultans<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Viewpoint<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

I somehow decided to do more on that beautiful sunny day to tour this so called Underground water palace<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

It’s really just a waterway built during Roman era. It’s definitely an awe that we humans were able to pull it through during those time. As tourist attraction, it’s a bit overwhelming (long line, 330TRY ticket price)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Finally it’s almost dark in which the line for the Blue Mosque started to wind down for a quick visit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Lastly, we decided to visit Hagia Sophia which features unique combination of both as a Mosque and as a Church<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Pictures rarely do justice. It is indeed one of the highlights of Istanbul<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Later, I sat down for our another Turkish Kebab.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Not our food<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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330TRY – turns out of the one the best meals I’ve had. The meat is so juicy and tender. I had a hard time finding Doner that good later on<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Last photo of the day<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

It’s a long and productive day<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Day 2<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Woke up leisurely to take a walk around the water front <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Interesting early locals <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

I decided to hop on the Asia side for a walking tour<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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On the ferry<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

First stop was this island that was built in the middle of the ocean<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Legend says a King built for his daughter to avoid snake bites<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

We stopped by a small mosque and then a local market for some sweets<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Finally a more interesting part was the Jewish neighborhood<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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To be honest, up until this point the tour wasn’t too captive. The viewpoint was nice nevertheless<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Lastly we got to try this famous boiled mussels<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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intestine sandwich was somewhat interesting 75TRY<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Last stop before saying goodbye to our tour guide was the local coffee house<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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30TRY <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Our guide gave us some pointers where to eat local. We obliged.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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(Forgot to take pictures of the mains. around 350 TRY)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Lastly we hopped on a ferry to get back. This is where I saw at the metro card station where a local was trying to “help” and then asked for money for the tip. From all the try hard restaurants staff who would literally drag you into their shops if you ever made eye contact, this is probably not a surprise. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Locals fishing on the bridge <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Got back to the hostel for a beer before calling it a a day<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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100 TRY for a draft isn’t bad, but it’s considerably more than expensive than the rest of Europe<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Day 3<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Another walking day. Took a tram across the water to see the Taksim Square<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The square itself wasn’t too interesting, but it led me to the best kebab and cheapest one in Istanbul<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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A local gave me bread and cheese for free! <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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My food in the making <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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All for 115TRY (including a tea and drink) <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Saw a Starbucks and felt obligated to get a Turkish coffee there<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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42TRY for a double shot <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Lastly was to see the one of the Ottoman palaces (Dolmabah\u00e7e Palace)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Unfortunately, no photos allowed in the interior. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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It’s 450 TRY for 2 palaces and 1 paint museum with audio guides. High quality and worth the money.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Went to a brewery to sample Turkish take on its beers<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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$14.32 for a flight plus a regular pint. Not the cheapest<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Dinner time<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Liver kebab for 200TRY. It’s alright.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Took a taxi back ($7.59 for half an hour ride) to my hostel and called it a day <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Day 4<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Last full day in Istanbul<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Walked around a local park a bit before heading to the Bazaars <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Spice Bazaar <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Next was to see the Tower in the picture above<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Where the views are just astonishing <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Stairs to go down<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Lunch time<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Found this local buffet style restaurant. The food is alright, the liver (left big plate) was a bit too gamy for me. Good value. However I wish the owners would have told me to order smaller plates instead of giving me those giant ones. (175TRY)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Post lunch, I walked to a trendy shopping district<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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One last Turkish coffee with a cheese cake!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Walked around a Art museum a bit<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Last stop was the Grand Bazaar<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Dinner I decided to order a mix plate at a restaurant near my hostel to treat myself for a last dinner in Istanbul<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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230TRY. good value <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Day 5<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Got up early enough for my mid day flight to Cappadocia. Getting to the airport isn’t easy due to lack of good transportation (airport is extremely far 40km from the city, designs like this is rare. In comparison, KLIA to KL downtown for the same distance is 28min). The most reliable and cheap way consists of 1 taxi ride and 3 metro rides.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Metro #1 <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Transfer to the Airport Metro <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Took almost 2.5 hours to get to the airport, upon checking in and security, I barely had time to sit down for a breakfast before boarding<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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quick lounge stop <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

For thing I do want to compliment on is the Turkish airline’s service. For a $30 flight, it got a hot meal. A checked bag was also included.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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There’s some mountains in Turkey!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Aerial view from the sky<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Took a shuttle to my hostel (180TRY)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The windshield is as dirty as it can get <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The general lack of trust in the tourist town means I had to pay everything in cash immediately at check in time. Quite annoying, I didn’t have enough and was told to just pay every cent I had in my pocket and go get money right away essentially. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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View from my hostel with a jacuzzi <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Hostel common area <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Without much of a break, went straight for some coffee and enjoy the afternoon warm weather (to research what to do next days)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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85TRY for a wonderful cold brew! <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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From the coffee shop<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Walked around town a bit <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Went up to a view point (10 TRY)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Dinner was bad. Little meat, expensive and dry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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250 TRY<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Night view <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Went to bed early due to being a travel day<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Day 6<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Signed up this so called Green Tour (43Euros) It’s a full day tour that includes lunch and the underground city. Pretty good value<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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First stop was this pigeon valley <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Then we were taken to this Underground city where the old Christians hid<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Wine pot <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Kitchen area<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Well <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

It is said that the city had 13 floors. Only 8 was open to the public. It’s also said it’s possible that all Underground cities were connected. Further excavation will reveal. The cities are definitely unique to this region, a highlight for sure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Caves shaped like a cross <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Underground church <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Done with the Underground city and then headed to the green valley where we would have our lunch<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Spot for our lunch<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Funny thing is the included lunch was the best I had in Cappadocia..<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Another green stop<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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We were taken to the overpriced sweet shops to sample and buy<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Typical packaged tourism tactics <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The samples were quite good nevertheless.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dinner time<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Pretty good wine I must say<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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The meze plate was solid too. Good value for 140 TRY<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Lamb shank was good too, though I wasn’t too hungry <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Day 7<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Trekking day! (32KM!) Self guided red tour.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

First was the Open Air Museum 450TRY including the audio guide<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Great place to learn Biblical stories.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Next was to lunch at the old Turkish house restaurant<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The house was beautifully decorated. The owners were nice. Food was a bit subpar. The desert was good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Next was to see the chimneys <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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hanging out with some Hispanics<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Next was to see the Red valley<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The route to the Red valley was probably more or so the highlight than the destination itself<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Narrow path to get back on the main trail <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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A bit rock climbing too<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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At this point. The hostel host was constantly texting asking for payment for the ballon ride next day. I told him I’d make payment upon arrival back to hostel as I was out hiking. He was just really bitching about how he had to pay out of pocket for me etc. Not sure why they don’t clear transactions weekly or so for something that’s done so regularly. Whatever. It kinda ruined my day that I had to constantly check phones instead of focusing on the views.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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I missed sunset, too<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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We ended up having two dinners. The first one was a bit of a bust, and the second one turned to be great for the value. The owners were very playful and friendly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Cheap doner sandwich for 80TRY! Not as good as the one I had in Istanbul, but great value!!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Expenses<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Week 24<\/td>Currency:<\/td>TRY<\/td>19.52<\/td><\/td><\/tr>
Day<\/td>Food&Drink<\/td>Lodging<\/td>Transportation<\/td>Other (tickets\/tours etc)<\/td><\/tr>
1<\/td>$33.85<\/td>$21.04<\/td>$7.78<\/td>$50.39<\/td><\/tr>
2<\/td>$26.69<\/td>$16.94<\/td>$5.12<\/td>$53.30<\/td><\/tr>
3<\/td>$43.23<\/td>$16.94<\/td>$10.15<\/td>$23.05<\/td><\/tr>
4<\/td>$30.99<\/td>$16.94<\/td>$0.00<\/td>$0.00<\/td><\/tr>
5<\/td>$19.47<\/td>$16.91<\/td>$42.65<\/td>$0.51<\/td><\/tr>
6<\/td>$24.74<\/td>$16.91<\/td>$0.00<\/td>$47.13<\/td><\/tr>
7<\/td>$33.56<\/td>$16.91<\/td>$0.00<\/td>$32.79<\/td><\/tr>
<\/td>$212.53<\/td>$122.58<\/td>$65.70<\/td>$207.17<\/td><\/tr>
<\/td>Total<\/td><\/td>Grand Total:<\/td>$607.97<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table>
Not in Asia anymore. I expect cost to continue rising as more west I go<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Intro Turkey! It is exotic. It is the link between Asia and Europe and yet its people consider themselves more or less Mideastern. Turkey is vibrant. Turkey is everything – the instagram pictures and youtube videos you watch, the disaster and its politics. Of course, its all notorious scams (or yes, it’s a 3-pager and… Continue reading Sabbatical Week 25<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-3062","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized","entry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3062","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=3062"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3062\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3205,"href":"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3062\/revisions\/3205"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=3062"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=3062"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blog.buyuchen.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=3062"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}