At this moment the main reason why I want to go to Istanbul is the city itself. My Turkish is still very basic , I will use what I know if I can/need to, but I still can't keep a conversation going. But I still have three weeks and a half so that might change
Making myself clear won't be a problem I think, as a lot of people speak English, German, and some even speak French I heard. Maybe it will be more difficult in Ortahisar (Cappadocia) where I will be staying a couple of days as well, I don't know.
I would love to be able to speak the language (fluently )already (but then who wouldn't?). But right now it's more important for me to read about the city, its neighbourhoods, its history, so that I don't arrive unprepared. I'm reading this book now that's called "Passage Istanbul", about famous people (like Trotski, Virginia Woolf, Pierre Loti,...) who all stayed in Istanbul for a shorter or longer period. Quite amusing, sometimes boring (if the character is boring), but still, it's an interesting book.

Sevgiler
Elisa

try to speak turkish.. however we could understand...

Hi, Elisa!

Could you please please please give the author and the publisher of "Passage Istanbul"? It really sounds like a great book but I can't find it

Thanks!
aleir

I was about asking the same.. we need the title of that book! btw if u r interested, I've read couple of (v good) books about Turkey, I can give u the titles too.

So Elisa, r u going all alone to Turkey? I bet u r so maceracı (adventurous) as I am

I hate to disappoint you girls, but it's a Dutch book by a Dutch publisher. And as far as I know it hasn't been translated.
But one of the ideas I got from the book is that, when in Istanbul, you have to take a trip to (one of) the Princess Islands. That way you see Istanbul in just the same way as people did in the old days, when there were no planes and they arrived by boat across the Sea of Marmara. I read some beautiful descriptions about the view you get that way.
Sertab, I'd much appreciate it if you gave some tips about interesting books!

istanbul ile ilgili kitap isteyenlere gönderebilirim...

I'm afraid I don't understand... could you translate this for me please?

Elisa

i could send some books about istanbul..
who wants that?

also i could send some information or writing etc as well...

Tabii! Anyone with tips on must-read books, please post them! I would be very grateful!!

Elisa

the main point is how it could be?