Happy (belated) New Year Guys!
Dear Epicurus,
I have no clue how best you can taste a "Turkish Delight" in Istanbul. All I can comment on is how NOT to and that is never go in a pavyon or night club believeing naively to their promises targeted to empty your pockets. Although at this point, I do salute my good friend, Local Expert, as he facilitated a similar experience in Ankara for me some time back. My personal choice are the Eastern Europeans especially Moldovians, as I adore a true GFE experience. I believe Turkish working girls are way over rated. (This was not meant as an insult to any nation or people and just reflects my personal opinion from past experiences: as the Chinese say one man's meat is another's poison). As for your hotel selection, I hate to warn you that some of the boutique hotels in and around of Sultanahmet are usually family run small establishments with 10-12 rooms and can be "guest unfriendly" if you know what I mean. Beware. You may consider changing your booking to be on the safe side or be prepared to accomodate your hobby in short time hotels in the worst case. Last but not least, on how to pick up a USD 50/2 hours chick in Istanbul, please use your search function looking for the keyword "Irmak". I just checked and there are 28 previous posts on the place including directions, address, phone number, key personel names, standard operating procedures, pricing info, and even pictures. Trying to hit on every Eastern European chick you see on the street may not be the most efficient and effective way! LOL
Dear Bunnyhopper,
FYI, I stayed at Intercontinental once but never noticed talent at their bar but this was a few years back. The situation may have changed since. BTW, I am green with envy having read your last expedition to Istanbul. Have you considered getting enrolled in Holiday Inn's Priority Club Rewards? Looks like we will be staying at the same hotel over and over again.
Dear Local Expert,
I agree with you that you may not have to pay in Antalya especially in summer months but you probably will agree with me that CS has done all the right things (except for that bellboy he snapped at) even though he is a total stranger to the area. It is middle of winter, and he spent only 3 days in Antalya, which does not allow too much time to get himself acquinted with ONS's. I am very impressed with his initiative and the lessons he has learned in such a short time. If you think about it, he has been to seedy clubs, pavyons and survived, even managed to find the jackpot places within 3 days. It is simply remarkable. I know people who time after time end up in overpriced Taxim night clubs every time they visit Istanbul simply because they lack the instinct and initiative to explore out of their comfort zones.
I simply take my hat out for our new Istanbul fan: Cupid Stunt.
Hedonist and Vegamars,
Gents, please give Cupid Stunt a break. In my humble opinion, there is no reason why you should be offended by his style and choice of words. Yes, he does say that the bus was " crowded with a carriage full of snoring and sweaty turks from Antalya" but so what? He also says that he walked "up and down the streets like a moron". Does that make him a moron? No. Furthermore, you must have taken long bus journeys in Turkey just like I did, and the coaches ARE indeed full of snoring and sweaty people. Especially in winter, when the driver thinks he is doing everyone a favour by cranking up the heater without moderation to simulate a hellish atmosphere… The trains are even worse but I won't even go there. That fact simply does not qualify to be an insult in my opinion. Turks are just as sweaty and snoring as Russians, Thais, or Mexicans. Please do bury your machetes and think why would CS would travel to Turkey if he did not like the Turks? I have to say that I for one have really enjoyed Cupid's FR's.
One final note to all Istanbul mongers, there may be a trip to Istanbul on my radar screen sometime in March or April. I will update you guys as things become more certain. Are we up for another get together at the infamous Holiday Inn and taste CS's precious Victoria for ourselves? Ha ha ha
Peace
NC