S5:Ep9 - Istanbul, Turkey: First Impressions and Challenges

Bob Tapper: Life Abroad, a documentary travel podcast

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SEPTEMBER 2024
This month, I’m diving into my first impressions of Istanbul. The flight from Manchester, UK was a breeze, but getting settled was a marathon—long drives, airport chaos, and finding my Airbnb with its 137 steps (hello, daily leg workout!). But the sea view? Totally worth it.
Istanbul’s got this incredible vibe, split between its bustling European side and the laid-back Asian side. I’ve been exploring Istiklal Avenue’s lively energy, enjoying Turkish ice cream (dondurma), and soaking in the views from the Galata Tower. Navigating the language barrier has been an adventure in itself, but that’s all part of the fun, right?
There’s still so much to see and do, like booking a boat cruise to explore more of the city. Stick around as I share more stories, tips, and a few laughs from my time in this incredible place. Trust me, you won’t want to miss it!
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In this episode:

• Easy flight from Manchester, UK to Istanbul, Turkey
• Layout, stairs, and Taksim Square
• European vs. Asian side of Istanbul
• Challenges
• Turkish Flags
• Turkish Ice Cream (dondurma)
• Galata Tower

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Taksim Square
Known as the heart of Modern Istanbul, Taksim Square is an important shopping, leisure, and touristic centres, with restaurants, hotels, and shops.
Turkish Ice Cream (dondurma)
Literally the Turkish word for ‘frozen or freezing’, dondurma is the delicious local rendition of ice cream. A little different from western-style ice-creams, however; traditional Turkish ice cream is sweet, creamy, stretchy, and chewy at the same time.
Galata Tower
Considered among the oldest towers in the world and one of the symbols of İstanbul, Galata Tower (Galata Kulesi) was included in the UNESCO World Heritage Temporary List in 2013.

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