Breathing in the Bospherous

I'm sitting taking in the breeze and the magnificent view of the Bospherous, which is just mesmerizing. The call to prayers breaking the evening Ramadan fast is echoing throughout the streets as I watch tankers, ferries and yachts sail up and down the strait.  Across the water there is a low lit mosque and small palace, and the moon is almost full. Who could not love Istanbul? I've decided to spend a couple of weeks back here instead of facing Antalya's 40 degree heat.  This time I'm staying with a local architect in the 'hip' area of Bistakas (?). The streets are cobbled and steep but the area is surrounded with shops, eateries, bars and restaurants. Its nice to experience Istanbul as a local lives it, and I've already made friends with the neighbourhood  'sis' (as in Shisk Kabab) restaurant owner.  I'm not sure they get too many tourists in this little quarter, at least not ones with that deer in headlight stare when they are asked questions in Turkish. Needless to say, I will be trying out for NIDA when I return as my mime skills are  almost perfected.  Today I explored the area, tried to make it to the ferry but got waylay-ed by the ever powerful 'sale' signs. So a handbag, some dresses and -- well, the list goes on -- later I  trudged back up the hill to sit with a cuppa and take in the view.  Its now 3 hours later and I haven't moved.... its the  kind of city people could come to and never leave xxx B