Lugging a 20kg suitcase up the steep hills of Cihangir was not how my holiday was supposed to start but I arrived the day the Govt decided to block off all motorised access to Cihangir and Taksim areas!

Then, having been given a ph number with 1 wrong digit, I was lucky to find a most helpful couple on the streets, who stayed with me till we located my hosts. Within a few minutes of settling down in their charming corner apartment in Cihangir, I heaved a deep sigh of relief just as one does on arriving home.

Seda and Emre, my hosts, are a totally chilled out couple. I couldnt have chosen a better location, and better hosts. They didnt have a single review in airbnb, something which I didnt notice until after I booked! Some people don't need reviews, they just send out positive energy. I had a lovely single bedroom overlooking the street, but the best part of the apt was the living room, where Emre, a filmmaker by profession, has his work stations. They were totally relaxed about my timings, and Seda would even check up on me occasionally to see if I was ok.

Cihangir is very very close to Taksim, Istiklal St, and a short tram ride to Sultanahmet. The magnificent Istanbul Modern is a short walk down those steep hills from the apartment. The area where I stayed has many many little cafes, highly commendable among them were Babel, Holly and Journey. I had a lazy Sunday breakfast with Seda and Emre, and long chats about Istanbul and London on other evenings. And one night I was invited by the two to join their friends for some drinking, rapping, guitar playing, and pour-your-heart-out-natter which only happens past 3am, or was it 4am? Even made a new friend in a few hours, rolling in laughter with her over things others didnt quite get.

Is this the stuff that airbnb was meant to be all about? I dont know, it was my first booking and I am certain not my last! I made new friends, in a new city, and I believe I have a home too.

Seda and Emre may God bless you and grant you both a happy and long life (so I can keep visiting!). You made possible a wonderful holiday for me. Thank you.