Great place, great neighborhood, great host!
Efe was responsive when making arrangements to meet, accommodating about meeting, and generally helpful. Great start of a nice vacation in Istanbul!
The apartment is lovely! Perfectly furnished, very clean, uncluttered. There's a cool breeze all night long that allows for good night's rest on the very comfortable bed, so we were rested and ready for another day of exploring.
Kadikoy is an ideal neighborhood for folks that want to experience real life - not just touristy frenzy. Just up the street is a vegan cafe (otherwise it is rather difficult to find vegetarian food in Istanbul), and from there on there's one cafe, restaurant, shop after the other. There are tables outside on the sidewalk everywhere, inviting you to stay for a cup of turkish tea or coffee, a snack, or a meal - and to people watch.
Only drawback: It feels like everybody is smoking in Turkey (no wonder Turkey is on the top of the world's list for lung cancer rates per capita!)
When we were tired of walking, we hoped on the tramway, which runs in a circle around Kadikoy center, or on a random bus to see other nearby neighborhoods.
Interesting to experience how the vibes of neighboring cities are quite different: Uskudar is much more conservative, Atasehir full of new high-rises could be in any city in the US or Europe. Kadikoy is an in-spot for young and old; old city flair, progressive life.
BTW, we felt safe to walk the streets even in the middle of the night.
All in all we were sad to leave, as it was a great vacation!