Another early start, another zero-degree morning, and I was off on the ferry to Kadıköy — often called the Asian side of Istanbul. Asian influence? I didn’t really see it. What I did see was Istanbul at its most lively and charming.
The journey took just under three hours with a few stops along the way, but it was absolutely worth it. Brightly paved streets lined with Christmas decorations, balloons, splashes of colour, umbrella-covered lanes and twinkling lights — the kind of place that must feel magical after dark.
Food heaven followed every turn: restaurant lanes, fresh seafood, fruit and vegetables, irresistible cakes, and nut and seed shops that could easily steal an afternoon.
On Tuesdays and Fridays there’s a locals’ bazaar where you can buy just about anything — including half-used makeup and shampoo (yes, it apparently sells). Alongside that are fabrics, clothes, and fresh produce, though it’s very much a locals-only affair. I skipped it and chose to wander the beautiful, character-filled streets instead.
What still amazes me is the calm. Streets packed shoulder to shoulder, yet a cat can be fast asleep in a shop doorway while people quietly step over it. No stress, no rush — just observing life. If only I could read their minds. I’ve always wondered what animals are really thinking… perhaps AI will tell us one day. Or maybe the cats will keep their secrets. 🐾
