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.

 

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

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!

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.

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)