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After a long day of walking and touring Istanbul, I walked to Le Safran Restaurant tired and hungry for local fare
Walking back to my hotel, Hagia Sofia Mansions Istanbul, Curio Collection by Hilton a little after midnight, I was starving. I’d spent the earlier part of the day exploring the mosques and historic architecture of the area. And, the later part on a rather thorough tour of the Asia continent side of Istanbul via Istanbul: Asia Side Highlights in a Day tour.
Luckily Le Safran Restaurant, the restaurant I’d seen from my hotel room window, was still open. I walked toward the open lights like a moth toward a flame. As I could see my hotel window from my seat, I felt safe.
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When he wasn’t trying to get my What’s App number, the waiter talked to me about the drastic social economic divide within Turkey. It was fascinating and again, put a lot of things into perspective. In my travels, I am grateful for my experiences. But, I am always aware that not everyone I meet has the opportunity to do the same.
Even the iPhone I was taking photos with – in Turkey, its an extreme luxury. If I lost my phone, I could immediately go to a local Apple Store and buy a new one. Not everyone can. And it was very touching to speak with my waiter about the challenges of living in Turkey – which is outside of the European Union.
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I enjoyed the LAMB ON SKEWERS for my late night meal. Then, as a complementary goodbye, my waiter gave me some APPLE TEA as a parting gift.
As I walked the remaining feet back to my hotel, I felt full and incredibly in love with life.
Le Safran Restaurant
Alemdar Cd. No:1134122 Fatih, İstanbul, Turkey