It’s been a little quiet around these parts…mostly because I’ve been on vacation without internet access, which is much needed every once in awhile.  Tonight is our last night before we head home and put our nose to the grindstones, so I’m trying to take it all in.

We spent a couple of nights in Istanbul before departing for our Italian getaway.  We decided to stay in Galata this time and I’m so glad we did because look at that adorable apartment!  That window seat was everything.

At Arada Cafe

After one of the most delicious breakfasts I’ve had yet (soup counts as breakfast, right?), we decided to put our Muzekarts to use and check out the art at Istanbul Modern.

I love contemporary art and  I love having such easy access to great museums now, considering my relatively isolated youth.  I was especially taken aback by how well the art at Istanbul Modern seemed to reflect the often fragmented nature of Turkish identity.

Perhaps I’m saying this because I grew up out in the boonies in the middle of Nowhere, USA, but it seems to me that Turkey values art so much more as a society than the U.S. does.  I really can’t get enough.

After several hours in the museum, we had worked up an appetite and decided to stop for…

***drum roll***

MEXICAN FOOD!!!  I have to get my fix whenever I can 😉

We ended our fabulous day with a long walk down Istiklal, which was much less crowded than usual during the holiday!!  We also happened to find a good gelato stop on the corner and indulged to the tune of the many street musicians.  Pre-vacation perfection.