Fatih, Istanbul

With winter approaching and temperatures no longer high
After six months of housesitting, it’s definitely time to fly.
Our Qatar seats were rather tight, the plane totally full
Worth it to experience a three day stopover in Istanbul.

Took a shuttle to our hotel in Fatih by the port
Had time to freshen up and our suitcases sort.
Headed out to explore with goggle maps on phone
Discovering many steep streets all cobbled in stone.

A plethora of restaurants but in which one to stop?
Chose one with an open air balcony up on a rooftop.
Ate wood-fired charred meats with fries and salad
It needed more seasoning but overall was not bad.

Evening traffic clogs the streets at chaotic angles
Numerous horns beep but the snarls stay in tangles.
Bright yellow taxis and buses for public to use
Stalls on every corner serve fresh orange juice.

Walked up the hill into Sultan Ahmet square
Just at the beginning of evening call to prayer.
Wailing chants from an abundance of minarets
With domes create Istanbul’s skyline silhouette.Read more