Istanbul | It’s been a blast - Thank You!

Sitting in the airport right now reflecting on everything that has happened since I got here last Wednesday. I have a really positive opinion of Istanbul loved the place. Obviously I feel for people who's experience wasn't the same. As for UEFA I'm not even going to let them ruin my time here by thinking about their shit show of incompetence.
hoşçakal ve teşekkürler Istanbul
 
Thebigbluehouse said:
I wanted to do something similar. Uefa was shite, my heart blead for the disabled people being dragged across that shittie hole car park.
As far as the average Turkish people go. I have nothing but thanks. Yes, some of you might have been scammed, I'm really sorry.
Our experience has been 100% positive. Random guys, helping us with the Istanbul card and direction. Hospitality of bars and the general public putting up with our excitable behaviour without any complaints. Locals joining in with the celebrations. Priceless.
Let's be honest, if you go on mass to a foreign country, the shit houses will be waiting. So, it helps to be vigilant.
Thank you Istanbul, Fuck off UEFA.
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100%
 
Sat on a ferry from Athens going to a Greek Island for a well deserved rest and pure reflection on the fantastic season we've had. It really doesn't get better than this as a fan of a football club.

Overall, I loved Istanbul but there has had to be a lot of turning the other cheek in order to remain positive about the place if I'm being honest.

You walk a few streets away from any of the nicer areas and it's a total dump that's scary. I'm really surprised to not be reading about more muggings or assaults on drunk supporters that were on Nevizade Street as the surrounding area was proper rough. When we left that area we were getting on a bus to get back to our hotel and I desperately needed a slash. I wandered down some crumbling steps to an area that looked suitable and I quickly thought better of it as the were eyes everywhere. Groups of 3-4 dodgy looking blokes on every corner.

Got ripped off for a kebab on the 1st night (380 lira) and paid 500 lira for a beer and a bacardi and coke on Nevizade Street. Had to continuously bargain and haggle for a fair price on pretty much everything and keep an eye on our valuables at all times. Nearly got pickpocketed on a packed tram by 3 blokes and luckily that situation went my way once I outed them on the tram. It could have easily gone sour looking back on it!!

However, we've done loads of stuff, all at cheap prices too. We visited Basilica Cistern, Galata Tower and did stadium tours of Galatasaray, Besiktas and Fenerbache (all of which were about £4 do do). Did a Bosphorus river tour and eat some really good food. Kebab we had in Besiktas was the best kebab we've ever had, a mint little takeaway place that has been there since the 70's. Bar opposite was happy for us to sit there and have a beer with food coming over from the kebab place. Packed with locals.

Then we got to know the Asian side a little. Kadikoy was so different to Taksim and the areas around there. Relaxed, chic and not much haggling. Happy hour beers at 50 lira and there's a direct metro line to Sabiha Gökcen airport for less than 10 lira. If we were to go back we'd stay in or close to kadikoy without a doubt.

It's a huge, fucking hectic city with a lot to watch our for so I can see why some might not have enjoyed it. Personally, I thought it was brilliant.

I actually lost my wife on the Friday night. (Both a bit drunk). We were on Nevizade Street and she ended up getting a taxi back to the hotel on her own!!! Taxi driver was brilliant and she felt safe and didn't get ripped off. 60 lira he charged when it was a prime opportunity to hike that price right up. So they weren't all complete cunts where money was concerned.

A trip where the memories will last us a lifetime.
 
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The place is a shit hole, if you are a woman expect to be leered at by every man aged 10 - 90, expect to be ripped off at every opportunity, don't be fooled by the friendly smile, don't expect to have a decent diet and don't expect any help from those who are being paid to help.
 
Eds said:
The place is a shit hole, if you are a woman expect to be leered at by every man aged 10 - 90, expect to be ripped off at every opportunity, don't be fooled by the friendly smile, don't expect to have a decent diet and don't expect any help from those who are being paid to help.
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Sounds like every City in the world.
I wonder what most think of london.
 
Loved Istanbul, most of the people and staff in hotel were great and very helpful, opened the bar and restaurant at our hotel at 3am when we finally defeated UEFAs shambolic disorganisation, even gave us free drinks. Inter fans were great too. The one (massive!) negative was UEFA; a 10yr old could see the bus “plan” was never going to work and the stadium, fan park etc was not fit for purpose. Of course I’m glad I came but I’d never go to anything those morons organised again unless I knew I could organise own way round ( so Wembley and Munich will be fine!)
 
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