Istanbul, aksaray, etc...
i hate being in aksaray to be frank. i somehow like bacardi though; the waiters and the managers are always kind and respectful, and i don't mind tipping for good service. nevertheless, i only had a few experiences so far which would qualify as worth the money i spent. most of the girls are, how shall i put it: too profesional for my taste. so i tend to stick to my old favorites instead. bottom line is, you have to pay $150 - 200 or more for a decent night, and unless you have good connections, there is a good chance that you will be disapointed. (in my experience that is. i'd be more than happy if anyone proved me wrong.)
as to the current (futile though it may be) discussion, i maintain my position: istanbul is a huge charade.
i agree that people in aksaray act like pirates. last saturday, i went there, parked my car and, feeling a bit generous, tipped the guy 10 ytl. when i came back, the guy wasn't there, and to my astonishment, another guy asked for money! i told him i already payed, and after a little quarrel, got out of there fast, promissing myself to take a cab instead the next time. there are guys that would use any excuse to take your money, once they figure out why you are there.
i also agree that some posts here have the potential to misguide people about istanbul. with respect, i personally would not be interested in any particular person's 'life story'. this is supposed to be a 'travel' guide. let's stick to reports that would be helpful to others, shall we?
if i were a tourist in istanbul, i wouldn't go to aksaray without the company of a trusted and experienced friend.
lastly, i'd rather doubt that anyone posting here would be working on behalf of certain people. alas, every turk -however out of the ordinary though they may be- is an ardent nationalist, and would go to any lengths to defend and promote their country. (i know that i am risking opening another box of pandora's here, but i had to speek my mind.)
there! not another word from me.
jack sparrow
"they've done what's right by them. can't expect more"