Rumeli Hisari Fortress, Istanbul

canon and balls, rumeli fortress, istanbul, originally uploaded by - di.

Wandering in the grounds of this historic fortress was surprisingly peaceful. The ruins are welcoming, it was a place that made both Lisen and I feel like lingering, or even bringing a picnic or a book ... to just hang out in the 556 year old fortress for a day.

It didn't feel like a place of war, it was a place of beauty oddly enough. I was even more intrigued when I learned it was built in 3 months. There seemed nothing shoddy in the workmanship.

For the equivalent of 1euro, you can wander at will amongst this suprisingly sturdy ruin overlooking the Bosphorus Strait, then wander back down the hill and along to Bebek, to 'the' Istanbul Starbucks cafe.

'The' as in the one to be seen in as Istanbul has been completely invaded by both Starbucks and Gloria Jeans.