Ekim responded promptly with any questions I had, even though we are in two completely opposite time zones on different sides of the planet. His home was clean, comfortable, and about a 10 minute walk to the heart of Taksim Square.

The apartment was off a side street with plenty of convenient food options and convenience stores open until the early morning hours. My friends enjoyed the place as well.

I never got a chance to meet Ekim, but his mother was there to greet us and to say goodbye. She even left us with a parting gift of Turkish sweets! Thanks!