I loved staying at Yildiz' place. The neighborhood is lively and fun yet you dont notice this at all when you are inside. Everything you need is just a few minutes walk away. The room is quiet and comfortable, and there were some sweets waiting for me beside the bed when I checked in.
The cute dog and adorable cat added extra warmth, not that it is needed with Yildiz around who is so charming and has a really positive energy. I already miss having her around. She loves to cook and I was lucky enough to be invited to eat her tasty köfte and manti. Her boyfriend Güneş is also very easy-going and helped me with my heavy bag when I left ( by the way, the bag turned out to weigh only 17 kilos! so nowhere near 29 kilos... :)
I wish I had stayed longer, but then it might have been even harder to leave... I hope to stay there again next time I come to Istanbul. Thank you Yildiz for your hospitality!