Istanbul, Türkiye

If you haven't heard, it's the new Constantinople.

I feel like there is little about Istanbul I could say that isn't known. It straddles the Bosporus strait, making the city in both Europe and Asia. It is the former capital of the Byzantine (Eastern Roman) Empire. It is also the 15th most populous city in the world.

For those curious, our visit felt very safe. In fact, you feel very insignificant in such a big city. There are people from all countries here both living and visiting. Those with and without head scarfs, though when visiting any of the Grand Mosques women should bring a head scarf to be respectful.

Our visit coincided with the end of Ramadan and the beginning of the 3 day "after party" named Eid al-Fitr. Eid al-Fitr fell on a weekend, so the touristy part of a city felt like a zoo, especially trying to cross the Galata Bridge. It was legit elbow to elbow foot traffic.

It was a great place to visit, stepped with history.Read more