Since our new posh hotel didn't offer a free breakfast, we set off to find some food. We thought we'd run into one of the numerous simit (Turkish sesame bagels) sellers en route to Yıldız Park, but no such luck.
So we started exploring this gorgeous former imperial garden on empty stomachs in search of the cafe. It was enchanting!
The weather was perfect, everything was in bloom, and Turkish families were having picnics all over the place. It would have been the perfect morning walk except we were famished...
Soon we stumbled upon the Çadır pavilion where no one spoke English but we sat down and helped ourselves to the fabulous brunch on the patio and tried not to look too out of place. And as with every meal outdoors in this city, Michael had another staring contest with a cat.
With our bellies full, we headed up to the Şale Pavilion which used to be the guest house for visitors of the sultan staying at Yıldız Palace. Unfortunately, we didn't get to tour the Palace but the guest house was beautiful, ornate and very impressive (you wouldn't guess it from the facade).
Of course we couldn't take photos inside, but we could roam around the beautiful gardens.
Last stop was the Malta Kiosk where they had a bigger and better buffet for the same price of the other place! It was also much prettier inside.
And a better view...
So we shared some yummy Turkish ice cream on the terrace. Then we walked back to the hotel and hung out at the hotel bar. Doesn't get much better than this...
And we definitely needed this leisurely day to rest up for Sania's birthday party that night at Reina.
Reina is an outdoor club next to the bridge and right on the Bosphorus (which is awesome on a normal night) but which is spectacular on the night of the Super Moon!
So much fun. I miss Sania already...
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