Istanbul

Before I went to the europeans I stayed one night and it made me feel like in 1001 nights.
11. Oct 2008

The organizers would put me in a hotel for 100 € but I stayed in nice hostel for 18 € in the heart of Istanbul.

From the Airport I went with the Havas Airport shuttle for 10 liras to the famous Taksin Square. 7 pm was popular time for traffic, so it took me 1,5 hours to get there. Taksin and Istiklal Street are the best places for Shopping and Nightlife.

My Hostel was just situated 10 minuten down the road. But I past by the first and nowbody know about this new Neverland Hostel. My luggage (boardbag and bagbag) weight "just" 45 kilo and than it also started to rain heavily. I dont know how I made it, back up those 100 stone steps, but I did. Overall the journey took me one hour.

The Hostel (www.hostelneverland.com ) had WLAN in the room and breakfast was included. I liked the room and the people. Next to my "expensive" single room, you could also sleep in an dorm room (share with other people) for 9 €!

the neverland hostel lobby

After a shower I jumped into dry clothes and started to explore the hood. The atmosphere and the people on the street made an very nice impression to me (multi cultural). It reminded me to Kaosan Road (famous backpacker street) in Bangkok, just bigger.

At the next day I went for some sightseeing to Sultanahmet. I skipped the entree to Aya Sofia because the queque was to long, but I went into the Blue Mosque.

Good that I bought my 6 pm ferry ticket for Bursa already in the afternoon. Because the tram was striking and with the taxi and a quick sprint, I went as last passenger on the ship. Backpacker Don, my new company and friend from the hostel, he was on an round the world trip (using planes as less as possible). Unfortunately he got left at the ticket counter. We didnt swap any contact infos, so I thought I will never see him again in my live. But kismet taught us different.

The famous bridge which conacts europe with asia.

The rest of the Austrian Wakeboard Team went on the 8 pm ferry. And they were astonished when the stranger on the seat next to them asked: "Do you know Daniel from Austria? He has Dreadlocks." Thus it came, that Don spent two nice days with us in the 5 Star Hotel in Bursa. I wish you all the best where ever you are right now.