I met a woman in Istanbul through Couchsurfing. We agreed to meet at a coffee shop in the Taksim square area then we would walk around the city until we got tired of moving or of each other. Fair trade I thought, to meet a local and see the city as a local would, additionally learn about life in a different perspective. We hit it off right away talking about each others lives and family’s and our passions.

With no expectations of wanting anything from each other, other that just meeting up and learning from someone new, she showed me around the local scenes.

We decided on lunch and ventured into a cafe where everything looked delicious. I picked out a few things and had a smorgasbord of Turkish cuisine.

I was introduced to a variety of Turkish foods at this a la carte cafe. Great flavors.

Then she said i had to try the treat called baklava, the locals love it. Karakoy Baklava, and I now know why.  Ironically we had much in common she said if i have come to Istanbul then I better had try a baklava. Little did she know that this was one of my favorite desert/cakes. I am a Baklava fan since a small child. I might go as far to say I ever get married I might fancy a baklava wedding cake.

Taking a break and eating some Baklava