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.
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.
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
