Its lunch time and i'm sitting in a shady cafe on a side street in Istanbul. It is a gorgeous mediteranean day, cool breeze coming off the bosphorous strait, sunny but no humidty. Taxi cabs go by, horns honking in the distance, there are two stray dogs laying in the shade of a tree across the street. The rumbling of tires over the coblestone streets and a mix of music coming from the other cafes make this the perfect last morning here.
Last night was the fashion night out event at Istiniye Park. The malls had so many people all over the mall and outside spaces. Dj's were blasting music out of every other store, there were turkish celebrities in a few of the young stores which were creating a huge roar and massive crowds outside the stores. Our group had dinner at a rooftop cafe overlooking the park. It was great food, italian pastas which of couse were finished off with baklava and turkish tea. It was a great night, cool 70 degrees with a warm breeze.
This week was the perfect balance of work and business building, with fun and relaxation. Usually when I travel I am very detailed with all my expenses, counting every cab, every starbucks, but here it didn't seem as relevant. It had alot to do with the business partner here. Everyday we had a driver pick us up wherever we were going, even on our personal tour day, they had us set up. They also had fun event for us to do with them which was new to our business relationship. Other business partners just see you from 8-5 but here they were having dinner with us, taking us to other shopping areas in the city, showing us the nightlife. They did a super job of hosting us, and I know my experience of the city would have been much different had they not have been so great.
I am sad to be going back to dubai where it is still 110 and I am sure there are crazy things happening and I have a jet trip flying in for a visit sunday, but think it is good to be leaving on such high. Istnabul, highly recommend!
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