Taksim is the home to the seeming majority of Istanbul’s nightlife (there are exceptions to this, but they’re more than just slightly out of our price range.)  Its a large main street that branches out into dozens of winding, stacked alleys with terrace after terrace of small cafes, sprawling restaurants and bars.  Its a cozy, bustling, towering kind of place I haven’t seen exactly anywhere else in the world.  Perfect for relaxing with friends or starting a night out.

As my visa started to approach expiration, it was time to take a trip.  So Brian, our new friend Susy and I packed our bags and headed to Sofia, Bulgaria for a day.

8 hours on a bus and 2 hours at the Turkish/Bulgarian border on the way there.

10 hours on a bus (2 hours in Istanbul trying to get home) and 2 hours at the Bulgarian border on the way home.

Was it worth it?  Fuck yes!  I ate a prosciutto sandwich (I haven’t seen pork in 3 months), we went to a factory party, they let you through the McDonald’s drive through at 3am even if you’re NOT in a car and I met some beautiful people.  24 hours was not enough.

Border Crossing

Welcome to Sofia

Downtown

Street Art

Factory Party in a factory we thought was abandoned

Dorr, Jen, and Brian

The factory wasn't abandoned at all, it was still functioning to produce these lovely little corn puff snack things.

Our lovely host Dominic

Oh Bulgaria…. it only took a mere 24 hours but you’ll forever have a special place in my heart.

Headed out for a midnight snack to see what was open.  Turns out, lots of places.  Enjoyed a roasted lamb intestine sandwich and then a handful of mussels stuffed with rice an fresh lemon.  Not too shabby.

Brian and I originally met in Seattle, where we started Jet Set. However, we would never have met each other if it hadn’t been for our great mutual friend, Max. Max and I have been friends since Jr. High School, and he was Brian’s roommate through most of college, making him a bizarrely strong common link. Well, after trying to convince him to come out to visit us, country after country, he chose Istanbul.

(Warning: 15-second clip ahead)

If you’ll remember, our last visitor Serene (also my friend growing up) had a great time, and even bought Jen and myself tattoos. Hmm… I wonder what happened to her?

Guns and breakfast.

Admiring the view on the last round of goodbyes.

Frozen custard at the Bob-In on the way out of town.

Stopping to gather supplies before the flight back.

Jen, Susy and I are going to Bulgaria.  We’ll be back on Monday morning.  This trip involves a new visa for Jen, and possibly a factory rave.