I am returning to Istanbul on 23/24 of Dec to 1 Jan, and am wondering if anyone knows of a site where I can find a self-catering apart, or apartment for rent. I want a kitchen and balcony, and ideally view of the Bosphorous.... for

This would be so preferable to a hotel.

Thank you!
Christine

http://www.expatriates.com/classifieds/trk/housingavailable/

Thank you Roswitha! I do have this link, and it's good because there are photos, but most are longer term. Omer is working on it too- but being the control freak that I am.... I wanted to set up a bank of contacts.

christine

Isn't it more logical to try and find holiday apartments?
I think a travel-agent could fix you up with some addresses.

I have never been to Istanbul, but i figure they have apartments too and not only hotels? They won't be as 'independent' as a real apartment, but at least you'll be able to cook for yourself, have your own kitchen and fridge and everythin!

That's exactly what I'm looking for! I didn't search the term "holiday apartment" but will try. I just can't bear to stay in a hotel for my Christmas, and I love to cook. Omer is looking, but I want to search as well.

Thank you!

You're welcome

I always find it hard to find things out on the internet about Türkiye! But I'm sure a travel agency can help you.

well,
I present my Turkey trip to our Turkish sponsors this Thursday. It is a Philadelphia group of Turkish professionals who seek to enhance Turkish/USA realtions, and they paid for my whole journey!

I am working diligently on an i-movie presentation- hopefully they will like it and give me suggestions for December and next summer.

PS- I have communicated with Tomer/Izmer- and hope OMer is able to go with me, as it seems a perfect program.

Christine

An i-movie is a Macintosh program that enables me to place still photos, text and music to create a little movie. For example- I took 650 pictures of the whirling dervishes in Istanbul on my camera at a rate of 4 pics a second- I can make it look like a video and scorll text also.
It's a lot of fun, and it takes a lot of time!

Omer's situation is precarious. His father is in the latest stages of cancer, and is in Istanbul. Omer will need to be near him if he makes it to next summer. So of course, I too will be in Istanbul. He also has a younger sister and mom he may need to take care of. So Izmer is a dream, my wish for the sea and a small city, but my priority is Omers needs right now. I found two very good programs in Istanbul.

Well actually, I don't love Macintosh i-movie. I don't love MAC's, but my work purchased this for me and a 60gig i-pod to store my photos and audio interviews for my travels, so I kind of have to use it.

I understrand the new version (which i will get on Wednesday) is much quicker. I wish I could post the product on TC.com, but it's about 2 gigs.

You are right- Istanbul, Antarctica.... as long as I am with Omer- joy will come

Well actually, I don't love Macintosh i-movie. I don't love MAC's, but my work purchased this laptop for me and a 60gig i-pod to store my photos and audio interviews for my travels, so I kind of have to use it.

I understrand the new version (which i will get on Wednesday) is much quicker. I wish I could post the product on TC.com, but it's about 2 gigs.

You are right- Istanbul, Antarctica.... as long as I am with Omer- joy will come

MAC's are supposesdly excellent for photography/video, and most professionals in the graphic arts use them. That being said- PC's are much more functional in terms of downloading Turkish/English software, or any kind of software.

I would definitely go with the PC. Especially if you are abroad and need a platform to transfer quickly and easily to another language.

Cheers
Christine

Just to put my 2cents worth in...

Apple's/Mac's are usually more robust and less susceptible (is that spelt correctly?) to internet/computer viruses.

Most viruses out there are targeted for the Windows operating systems, usually found on non-Apple products.

Apple's got it's own operating system and it can be a little difficult to navigate, etc. especially since more people use non-Apple PC's...

Ok... I will stop sounding like a nerd now...

I've used both of the following for short-term rentals in Istanbul:

www.flatsinistanbul.com

www.istanbulholidayapartments.com

They both have apartments in great locations and some of them have fabulous views. Flats in Istanbul has a decent selection of 1 bedrooms and they tend to be slightly less expensive than Istanbul Holiday Apartments.

Thank you Norae,
I've posted e-mails to each
I'm curious which flat you stayed in @flatsinistabul? I am interested in 101 and 106.

Cheers,
Christine

and what about their prices??

I've stayed in flats 101 and 504. Both flats were lovely however just behind flat 101 is a hamam and the smoke from the wood fire was quite strong especially in the evenings. But the location was perfect.

For 3 weeks I paid about 1000 Euro plus a 400 euro security deposit that was fully refunded to me on the day I departed.

Norae

Dear Norae,

I found a studio with separate kitchen and bedroom for nine nights in Beglou- for 500 euros. It's quite smart and has a balcony.

I think this is ok. I've given up on a Bosphorus view as it is too expensive.

Cheers,
Christine