Istanbul

Istanbul -- Not Constantinople. Its Istanbul, who cares about Constantinople? Well, say that to all of the past civilizations who once ruled over this gateway between Asia and Europe. Every great civilization has controlled Istanbul at one point or another, and it shows. East meets west, truly, here in this great city.

It is like nothing I have ever seen, or smelled, before. Maybe it is the combination of fresh roasted chestnuts, combined with the aroma of slow roasting lamb on a spit (Doner!), kebab, roasting corn, or the seemingly infinite amount of feral cats. It is something so different, so unique, and so great, from where I have been before.

Mosques a plenty, street hawkers, impoverished, greasy, Turkish. I love it.

The language is absolutely insane, and the people all look unfriendly. Few speak English, no one speaks Spanish, but they are all after the western tourists. Its great. I love it.

Istanbul has such a rich history; a crucial stop on trading routes since ancient time, a stronghold for the great civilizations, and a cultural capital of the world. It is brilliant, the food is outstanding (and cheap), and the coffee is to die for. I have a profound respect for cultures that understand the importance of good food (delicious roasted meat), and even better, motor-oil, strong, acidic, Coffee.