The really great thing about Istanbul (aside from the obvious - endless Bazaars, cats everywhere and the ever-omnipresent smell of apple sheesha)??

Tonight as I wandered the narrow hilly streets of Cihangir (the "bohemian" neighbourhood my hostel is located in), I felt like I was in Rome, San Francisco, New York City, Paris and Damascus all in one. It is truly such a diverse cosmopolitan city.

(Until you try and find a decent on-the-go bite to eat that is, and the ubiquitous kebab shop remains the only choice. BAM!! You are reminded that you are in fact, in Turkey)

Having said that, I found a great sweet shop nearby that sells little bags of fresh pistachio Turkish delight for about a dollar. Oh my god.