I’ve just returned from a few days layover in Istanbul. My most memorable experiences in Istanbul were eating the delicious kebabs, seeing the ice cream performers, and seeing the grandeur of Hagia Sophia from the inside.

“İstanbul is a magical seal which unites Europe and Asia since the ancient times. Without a doubt, Istanbul is certainly the most beautiful place of the world.”

— Gerard De Nerval

I loved eating the freshly grilled kebabs. They were so good I could eat them without any pita bread. The ice cream performers were fun for the family. Their act was entertaining and the kids loved it. Even though it was a bit cold we had to experience it a few different times because of the sheer joy the kids had. I was awe struck by the sheer numbers of mosques in the old town. These were at least 1500 years old structures. Hagia Sophia, the grandest of all was so high from the inside it was hard to comprehend how it was built without modern machinery.

The experience of visiting Istanbul has taught me the importance of travel and how it can widen our knowledge and understanding of other cultures. The people, the food, and the history helped me get a glimpse of a part of the world that was the center of the world at one point.

Travel opens our hearts and minds. I feel grateful that I was able to experience the city of Istanbul along with my wife and kids even for only a few days. I long to return to the see the majesty of Istanbul.