We have arrived in Istanbul! 

The area is absolutely incredible. It’s so strange to be in an environment that I don’t speak a word of the language! I am used to traveling around Latin America where I can communicate with most people, but here, I am so turned around! 

So far, we’ve just walked İstiklal Avenue and seen the surrounding areas. We walked down to the Galata Bridge for dinner where I ate a fish sandwich, as advised by a local Turk! We then walked around the city exploring all the nooks and crannies where the Turkish culture was booming. We then went to the top of a building where there was an elegant restaurant and an amazing look out over the Golden Horn (the view was pretty much like this). Then we went to a locals bar called “The Beatles”. We got a few 50cl bottles of the local beer then walked back home. We then went to the top of our hotel where we saw the most amazing view! Our hotel looks over the Bosphorus River, which divides Asia and Europe.

Anyways, we are about to head out to go to the Hagia Sophia and many other areas of Istanbul!

read more from Nic at architectingisaverb.tumblr.com or nicholastermeer.tumblr.com.