Sees Europe here, there Asia lies

"Whilst singing gaily on the poop
The pirate Captain, in a group,
Sees Europe here, there Asia lies,
And Stamboul in the front arise."

That's part of a Spanish poem titled "Song of the pirate" from the 19th century about the life of a pirate, whose objective is freedom. You can read here the whole poem in English. Those lines came to my mind last Friday, when I was on top of the Galata Tower in Istanbul. The panoramic views of both sides of the city as well as the Bosphorus are stunning from up there... This year, I decided to do something different for my birthday. Or maybe I should say just that I decided to do something, as the last few years I remained quiet, working like on a normal day and later at home, as far as I remember. This year I went to Istanbul for four whole days as part of my plans to visit some new places instead of going always to the same ones as I mostly did in 2012.

It had been long time since I wanted to visit this city and it hasn't disappointed me at all. I got some sort of Stendhal syndrome when on the first day I visited in a row the Topkapi palace, Saint Sophia, the Blue Mosque and the Basilica Cistern. I couldn't wait any longer to visit especially the first three and it was the very first thing in the morning on the very first day. I got some sort of Stendhal syndrome and I could not stop marvelling at everything: from the small details to the massive domes.

I have had time for more, a lot more. I have walked for hours and hours, taking all the small streets and alleys. That's the way I really like visiting cities. Besides, I had a really bad map, what makes things so much funnier. I have run up and down the halls of the Grand Bazaar, something that I loved. However, I found more impressive the smaller Egyptian or Spices Bazaar. Prices were better there too. I have eaten excellent food, warm and cold, appetisers and desserts, main courses too, sweet and salty, spicy... mouth watering. I have been out partying until 4am, dancing, drinking, talking to people, enjoying the music and having a lot of fun at the club. I have relaxed in a hammam, taking Turkish baths, getting a massage by a handsome guy, enjoying these oriental luxuries.

I have got a very good impression of Istanbul. It is a good combination of modern and old city. I have found locals very friendly and helpful, very westernised, with not many differences of what you could find in other European Mediterranean countries. The fact that I visited the city in the way I like the most has also greatly contributed to the enjoyment: alone, with my music, no plans, at my own pace, free... Like the pirate of the song.