Eating in Turkey

I know that we asked you all to calculate what it might cost to eat while in Turkey, but here are some helpful articles on what you might want to eat if you're on a budget and different things you might want to try.  Remember that part of immersing yourself in the culture of Turkey and the experience of studying abroad is to try new things, especially food.  We will encourage you to avoid U.S. chains and restaurants to eat Turkish.  Also, remember, eating out in small groups (no more than 5) is highly, highly encouraged--you will have a better experience if you don't overwhelm a place.

Eating on a budget:  http://www.guardian.co.uk/travel/2012/apr/23/istanbul-budget-restaurants-student-travel

Eating on a budget:  http://foodistanbul.blogspot.com/p/cost-of-grub.html

Brief guide to some major Turkish foods:  http://www.sheknows.com/food-and-recipes/articles/960445/what-to-eat-in-istanbul

A blog just on food in Istanbul (follow the "blog" link):  http://www.deliciousistanbul.com/

A 2010 article on food in Istanbul that qualifies as "food porn:"  The pictures are fantastic! http://www.alamodejournals.com/index.php/2010/08/eating-istanbul/

More "food porn" and some dining suggestions:  http://www.elizabethminchilliinrome.com/2011/01/eating-in-istanbul.html

And, suggestions on tipping:  http://www.wittistanbul.com/magazine/how-much-and-when-to-tip-in-istanbul/

Cool Travel Apps!

If anyone is planning to bring their iPhone (or other app-capable device) with us on the trip, here are two apps that might be a good idea to download!

WhatsApp

This app allows you to send text messages over the internet instead of through your wireless provider.  If you are worried about roaming charges and don't want to pay for an international plan, simply switch your phone to "Airplane Mode." (Settings panel on iPhone.)  This will prevent you from using 3G, and will only allow you to use wireless networks nearby (i.e., the one at the hotel.)  Then, when wireless internet is available, you will be able to send and receive "text messages" through What'sApp.  Note: Only other What'sApp users will be able to talk to you, so make sure to tell your family/friends to download it before you leave.

Download for iPhone: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/whatsapp-messenger/id310633997?mt=8
Download for other devices: http://www.whatsapp.com/




Triposo's Istanbul Guide
This app is a nice little guidebook for the city.  Most of the information is available offline, so you don't have to worry about roaming charges.  It features a map of the city, a fairly comprehensive phrasebook, and information about places to see, eat, shop, and more!

Download for iPhone: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/istanbul-travel-guide-by-triposo/id430534193?mt=8
Download for Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.triposo.droidguide.istanbul&hl=en