I have been working the last three days, so I haven't been able to do anything until late. Yesterday I went to meet Hakan around 8 and found that this is the best time on Istiklal. It was the busiest I've seen it and this is when street performers come out. Older men play these really pretty sounding, I'm guessing traditionally Turkish, instruments. Kind of like Violins. I saw clowns too... And there was a protest. When I met Hakan we walked all the way to Eminnonu across the Galata bridge. We went to a really great restaurant. I've found my new favorite Turkish food - Lentil soup. Yeah, sounds disgusting. I know. But it is amazing and they always give you pita with it. So good. We also had Lamahcun. Turkish pizza apparently. Made on flat bread and rolled up with tomatoes and lettuce. Hakan will talk your ear off...about America. The last thing I ever want to talk about. It gets annoying, but I understand why he talks about it. I just don't think he realizes that not everyone loves America as much as he does. Not even some Americans. Especially ones living in Turkey to learn about Turkish culture. Oh well, it makes for an interesting subject for my research. Plus, he took me up the Galata Tower after dark, which was AWESOME. Boy do I know how to friend that right people....haha.
Later we met up with some people from the hostel and went to Leyla Terrace. A band was playing really awesome Greek music, but I was so tired, so I left early...well early for me I guess.
Today, I don't have to work until 7. I'm going to take the bus up north to some of the neighborhoods by Bogazici University. I'll post about it later.