Istanbul

[firecat69]

I started this trip in Istanbul with a side trip to Ephesus.

I have never been to Istanbul and was more or less overwhelmed by the city. I was there 5 nights and it was not even close to enough time.  Built on hills it reminds me of SanFrancisco with very few level streets which is not a good thing when you have bad knees and too much weight.

The traffic is non stop seemingly 24 hours a day and there are so many tourists from all parts of the world that your space always feels invaded.

That said I will go back someday and try to learn more about the history.

There is so much history there and where 2 continents come together and have created wonderful civilizations.   It is of course overwhelmingly a Muslim country with over 3500 Mosques and 158 Christian Churches plus 15 synagogues.  Yet in many ways it feels much more like a European city and less like any Muslim country I have ever been in.

I have attached a few photos just to give you a flavor and will try to post more later when I have had time to catalog them and might even remember what each is.

The photos of the ruins are from Ephesus which started as a Greek Civilization and became a Roman city.  It is a 1 hour flight and 30 minute bus ride from Istanbul.

 

[Guest Devint6669]

These are great picture Firecat... Will love to ear more about your trip.

[TotallyOz]

Great report and great photos!

 

p.s. Where are the boy photos? You are my hero and you can't let me down in Istanbul!

[Guest]

Where are the boy photos? You are my hero and you can't let me down in Istanbul!

Photos might be possible, but I shall be highly impressed if firecat69 manages to also get a cute Turkish lad in bed.

 

There was some "trade" around Taksim square, but all were top or of the very rough & untrustworthy type.

I visited a gay disco that was supposed to be full of rent boys.  There were 2 absolutely gorgeous (maybe 9.5) twins, but they were only interested in their sugar daddy.

[firecat69]

Honestly I was not looking for boys although I did look on GayRomeo and found very little of interest.  That said I did see a substantial amount of eye candy on the streets but have no idea if any would have been available.

 

I was not going to pay for data so I never turned my phone on with grinder.  Afraid this trip is with high school friends of 50 years ago and I am being a good little straight boy well almost anyways. (Budapest)