…from MONTE CARLO with LOVE!

In all my years travelling the globe, this was the first time staying with a host and the result was a formidable experience. My parents stayed in one room and I had the other which boasted a mattress from Heaven, so needless to say, I slept like a baby.

Basma opened her home and her heart, in return we adopted her as part of our family. She is warm, sincere, happy and an excellent host, we were most impressed and were privileged to spend time with her as we discovered Istanbul for the first time. Our visit was during Ramadan and we were fascinated to be immersed in the culture and its traditions. Almost every evening Basma shared with us and her closest friends, Iftar, the evening meal when Muslims end their fast at the time of sunset. She spoiled us with her cooking!

Her flat is perfectly located on a quiet street and just a 2 minute walk to the tramway. Just 6 stops away is Sultanahmet, the oldest part of Istanbul and the location of most of its historical sights: Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Hagia Irene, Sultanahmet Mosque, Basilica Cistern, Hippodrome, The Museum of Archeology, Great Palace Mosaics Museum, Museum of Turkish and Islamic Art, Million, Gülhane Park and Soğukçeşme Street.

Staying on the same tram for another 3 stops to tramway stop Eminönü takes you to the famous Spice Market, the New Mosque and up the hill, the impressive Süleymaniye Mosque, an Ottoman imperial mosque located on the Third Hill of Istanbul and the largest in the city. On this same tramway stop are the ferris that cross the Bosphorus to Uskudar, the Asian side. Make sure to take the ferry around sunset for breathtaking views. Expect Basma’s insider tips, discover more for less!

Now cross the bridge by foot or get off at tramway stop Karakoy to catch the magnificent Tunel which takes you up to the chic Istiklal Caddesi (Istiklal Avenue) which ends in the famous Taksim Square.

From the next tramway stop, Tophane, the famous Istanbul Modern is a short walk away. This magnificent museum of contemporary art is a “must-see” and still an insider secret.

Basma provides her guests with a tramway card which you can charge up thus saving substantially.

Her apartment may be modest but it’s clean, convenient and full of love. Unfortunately, the Singapore guest before us, Khairiyah, was not only abusive and untrue, but through her review she aims to discredit Basma’s efforts. Unfortunately, few people like this exist, and its best to ignore them.

Today is Eid al-Fitr, an important religious holiday celebrated by Muslims worldwide that marks the end of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting. From Monte Carlo we send Basma are best wishes for health, peace and joy!

Thank you for making Istanbul an experience we will never forget. You’re an exceptional host, congratulations!

Much love, David, Mama and Papa