Turkey, Part 4: Tulip Park, Ortakoy Plaza, Incredible Baked Potato Stalls, Famous Yogurt!

Today was a day of ultimate luxury... an incredible treat! Ece's grandfather loaned us his gorgeous BMW and driver to take us around for a few hours...it was really wonderful. The first stop was at a yogurt shop, where we got cups of what is--presumably--the best yogurt to be had in Turkey. It was also explained to me that yogurt orginated in this country; the Greeks "robbed" it from Turkey and laid claim to it! Pretty funny, me thinks, to haggle over yogurt ownership, but there you have it! It was indeed delicious. 

The second stop was at the tulip park. It was gorgeous! The landscaping of this park was exquisite, and though the tulips were past their prime, there was still enough of them blooming to be quite a delight. 

Finally, we went to Ortakoy, a plaza famous for the closest view of the Asian side, including one of the bridges and the largest mosque in Turkey (which I have yet to visit). There, strangely enough, there were long rows of baked potato vendors, with mounds of toppings to choose from! Apparently, this is a real "thing" in Istanbul, along with the famous waffles, Turkish Delight, and some other specialty dishes (many of which are meat, so I will NOT be trying them!) 

After the driver returned us to the flat, I took off for my own, personal stroll along the waterfront, enjoying the late afternoon sunshine while people-watching. And so passes another great day in this city, which I am really very fond of! If not for the language obstacle, I could totally see living here... 

Enjoy the pics below! 


First series-- the Tulip Park, called Emirgan Korusu: 


Ece poses behind the healthiest and most vibrant red tulips..unfortunately, the photo doesn't do them justice... 

Beautiful waterfalls in the park


Lots of circular patches of tulips...the landscaping was amazing!














Lovely vista of the park, with the Marmara sea and mountains beyond... 















Second series -- rows of baked potato stalls near Ortakoy plaza, all virtually the same...one wonders how they can all stay in business!!


The colorful mounds of stuff you see behind the glass are all toppings for the baked potatoes! Every variety of whatever-it-is to add to the monstrosity of a potato...never seen anything like it before anywhere!! 


All male vendors...all quite happy to be photographed! 



Big enough for SEVERAL meals, if you ask me!! Cannot believe anyone would consume this entire thing all at once, but this was about to be served to a single customer!! 

Believe it or not, this crazy creation was one big mound of butter...egads!!! With olives for eyes... not sure about the rest of the face!! 


Third series-- Ortakoy plaza: Best spot to view the water and beyond...mosques and bridge... 


Buyuk Mecidiye Camii Mosque (aka Ortakoy Camii) , built by famous architects in 1853.

                                            
                                               On the backside of the mosque, with Ece and me




Fabulous view of the bridge crossing the Marmara sea, and one of the largest mosques 
in Turkey, beyond.


Forth series: The famous yogurt! A surprise stop, since Nastaran knows how much I love yogurt (though prefer it frozen or as kefir, quite honestly...) and it really WAS exquisite yogurt!!! 

Funky-looking when you drive up to this hole-in-the wall place, but really 
was great yogurt!





Fifth and final series: some miscellanous bits! 

Iconic radio tower on the Asian side... Turkish version of the space needle?!


The beautiful beemer that carted us three around for the day! (Sadly, the driver, a very nice-looking man, did not want to be photographed) 


Strolling along the lovely walking/biking path on the Katikoy shoreline, below where I am staying. I was bummed that, as usual, I couldn't rent the city bike available here because the app wouldn't take my credit card... soooo very frustrating!!! 

These stalls were EVERYWHERE! The sesame bread is tasty, to be sure, but nothing really to write home about, so I am rather mystified as to why these soft pretzels of sorts are SO very popular here! 


Equally prized: the ubiquitus street cat. They are pampered and well cared for here in Istanbul. This lot of them was being fed cat food as I passed by, and had a nice little cat "apartment" structure to call home! 

Street cat homes...how lucky can a cat be?!?!


What would another eve in Katikoy be without the typically beautiful sunset from the terrace?!













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