Sunday, September 02, 2007

Istanbul In Winter Can Be An Otherworldly Experience -- Courant.com

"Istanbul In Winter Can Be An Otherworldly Experience

By SCOTT VOGEL | The Washington Post
September 2, 2007

Q: My daughter and I are heading to Istanbul for winter break. Do you have suggestions for things to do that would appeal both to a middle-aged mom and a teenager?

A: Spending Christmas in a Muslim nation sounds like a fascinating travel choice indeed, although if your intent is to completely avoid Santa Claus, crass commercialism, etc., you may be out of luck. (Let's not forget that St. Nicholas was a 4th-century Turkish bishop.) Still, according to several locals and expats we contacted via the websites Turkey Travel Planner (www.turkeytravelplanner.com) and Merhaba Forums (www.merhabaforums.com), Christmas is a distinctly low-key affair."

More:Istanbul In Winter Can Be An Otherworldly Experience -- Courant.com