Street performers on Istiklal Avenue

Where the red tram ends is where one can come across small pockets of street performers. I don't know what their arrangement is but on my first trip there was even a black guy from the US rapping in front of a truly appreciative Turkish audience.

But my jaw still dropped because I never expected to see Native Indians over on this part of the world !

Burger King, Istiklal Av - crack the code to use the toilet

Yes, another item struck off my bucket list. Have finally used The Tünel Underground funicular tram to get to the other end of Istiklal Avenue. Opened in 1875, and in operation for 139 years, I'm a little bit dissapointed that the tram itself is not like the wooden marvel that is Line A found in Buenos Aires.

Still, it was a quick and easy ride, with almost no crowd. Just take the ride down and take more pictures at the nostalgic ticket counter in Karakoy.

Riding the Historic Red Tram - Istiklal Avenue

Whether you are a kid dangling at the back for a free ride ( won't last long as the driver will shoo you away soon enough)

.....or a full paying adult, there's some magic about these trams.

Bereket Doner - Istiklal Avenue

There are dozens of doner establishments in Istiklal Avenue, so many, you won't even know which one to choose from.

For me it was easy. I settled on Bereket Doner not because I knew that it was part of a famous franchise but because I'd taken a quick look at the meat . And it was juicy mind you, not dried out like most. Focus on the kebab skewered at the back, not the eye candy in front please, girls.

 Once, over here, I find out that a sit down plate costs more than a takeaway wrap. But I'm ok with that. And he, proceeds with my order.