Istanbul at Night - 7 Things to Do After the Sun Goes Down

You've spent the entire day exploring Istanbul's mosques, monuments and palaces. You've walked through the remnants of Constantinople and the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires and you have the sore feet to prove it! You've returned to your quiet hotel room, had shower, rest and cup of Turkish tea. Now you're ready to hit the city again! But where to go in Istanbul after dark? Here are a few ideas on stepping out in Istanbul!

Bosphorus Cruise

If sore feet are a priority, enjoy an evening of food, drink and live music while cruising between Europe and Asia on one of the world's most magnificent waterways. Put your feet up as you cruise by dramatically lit mosques, palaces and under the city's soaring bridges. Spy on the night activity in the posh Bosphorus neighborhoods of Bebek and Ulus. The price includes a full dinner, drinks, an exciting floorshow with a Turkish belly dancer and round trip transfer from your hotel. Ask a local agency about availability.

Dinner with a View: Hamdi Restaurant

If you're in the mood for something local then head for Hamdi. Located just steps away from the Egyptian Spice Market, this popular place serves typical Turkish fare; hot grilled kebabs, small bowls of colorful mezes, crisp green salads and last, but certainly not least, Baklava! (Dubbed Turkish Viagra buy the locals!) But the real star of Hamdi is the view. Sit on the top terrace and take in views of Galata, the Bosphorus and the magnificent mosques of Eminonu.

Balik Sokak

Just steps away from the Marmara Sea, Balik Sokak (Fish Street) comes alive at dusk with lively restaurants serving fresh fish, meze, raki and lots of beer. Expect live music, impromptu singing and dancing performed by tipsy Turkish men with big mustaches!

Nevizade Sokak

Just off the Beyoglu Balik Pazari (Beyoglu Fish market) and Cicek Pasaji, Nevizade Sokak is a narrow street chock full of bars and outdoor restaurants. The restaurants offer meze, meals and musicians at your table; the bars offer stools where you can park, people watch and enjoy a chilled Efes beer. Some of the bars have terraces on the roof, of course every waiter will swear blind that his bar's terrace is more beautiful than the next guy's! Most places have a fixed-price menu, so ask for prices in advance.

Turkish Night

If you're a fan of music or dance, then a check out an evening "Turkish Night" dinner show, featuring traditional song, dance and costumes from the four corners of Turkey. Favorites include the fast spinning and stomping of the energetic Black Sea Dancers and the mesmerizing whirling of of the famed whirling dervishes. The evening belongs, however, by the lovely belly-dancing ladies who can show you a move or two! Book early at a local agency for good seats. Again, ask at a local agency about shows as they vary in price and program. Full dinner, drinks and transportation to and from your hotel are included in the price.

Nargile Cafe

Corlulu Ali Pasa Narghile Cafe was built in 1709, and is a well-known atmospheric water-pipe (nargile) place near Beyazit, (just 2 tramway stops from Sultanahmet stop, or a short stroll along the tramline.) This lovely hidden spot is where you can try a waterpipe or just relax and enjoy the exotic aroma of an apricot Narghile while sipping Turkish tea or coffee. Kittens will play at your feet. Old men will play backgammon. A great place to unwind after a trip to the nearby Grand Bazaar. The cafe serves a variety of tea, soft drinks and Turkish coffee.

Sultanahmet Hot Spots
Looking for an after diner drink not too far from your hotel? In Sultanahmet, grab a cocktail, raki, Efes Beer or glass of wine at...

Sah Bar: Hidden away from the main Tramway Street, this bar is rocking the alley in the summer, and warm and intimate by the fireplace in the winter. Cosy decor and great music.

Akbayik Street: There are a few bars that go all night long on this street. Check out "Just Bar", popular with locals and backpackers. Great outdoor seating.

The North Shield: Located just off the Gulhane tramway station one stop away from Sultanahmet. More expensive than the first two, but a great place to watch a football match.

For more ideas about how to make the most of your next vacation to Turkey visit us at http://www.speedtraveltr.com

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Dunhuang Caves Come to Life at Radio City Music Hall

Celebrate Chinas magnificent heritage in a Spectacular way as we usher in the Year of the Pig. Each year NTDTV hosts an exhilarating Chinese New Year extravaganza worldwide where the best of Chinese theatre, music and dance come together, bringing to life the myths, legends, and the divine beauty of traditional Chinese culture for Western and Chinese audiences alike. This year the Spectacular will play at Radio City Music Hall from February 14 17.

The Spectacular has something for everyone. A world-class production of performing artists of excellence, it features outstanding vocalists and instrumentalists showcasing grand stage designs, hand-painted backdrops and authentic costuming from ancient Chinese Dynasties. Classical Chinese dance along with traditional dances of various ethnic styles help weave a tale that touches on the themes of compassion and virtue -- and the never-ending battle between good and evil

The show takes you on a magical mystery tour said a friend who saw the Spectacular in San Francisco. When asked what was his favorite part he said: The Dunhuang caves--its just surreal! I can understand why that is. It was said by the ancients that dun meant great, and huang meant to flourish. Dunhuang is the pride of the Chinese culture. The graceful feitian, or heavenly beauties, together with tranquil and elegant Buddha images, reflect the glory of the history of Chinese nationalities in the Dunhuang Cave Dance.

The Mogao Cave in Dunhuang, which is known as Thousand-Buddha Cave, features fresco art narrating stories from Buddhism. Musical fairies, feitian, and heavenly kings are included in the images of the multiple heavenly beings. All the multiple heavenly beings are the guarding converts of the Buddha: the heavenly kings safeguard the Law of Buddhism with weapons in hand, feitian hold flowers and tributes, and the musical fairies dance festively and sing.

Feitian is called goddess with fragrance and beautiful sound in Buddhist art, and was named Gandhanra in Sanskrit, referring to a kind of beautiful fairy who is good at playing music and dancing. Feitian is able to fly airily and freely in the sky with all-over fragrance and fluttering ribbons on her body with flowers and colorful clouds in her hand. This artistic image from Indian Buddhism, once combined with the images of Chinese flying fairies and those who succeeded in cultivation, connotes an extremely rich sense of magic and fantasy.

We can see that NTDTV is working at pains, and we can see new culture from the traditional roots. That is very valuable. We hope the NTDTV can stick it out and can truly turn all these into its tradition, said Ambassador Andrew Xia, Director General of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in New York after seeing the show.

Last years production at New Yorks world-famous Radio City Music Hall ranked the top 7th show internationally on Billboard magazines Box score in February 2006. In 2007 the Spectacular will play in 30 cities across four continents, including 15 major cities in North America.

Be part of the experience and treat yourself to a rich, meaningful and unforgettable cultural eventthe NTDTV Chinese New Year Spectacular.

Xiqiao Su is a Performing Arts Teacher and works in her studio in Manhattan. For more info about the NTDTV Chinese New Year Spectacular in your area, please visit: http://shows.ntdtv.com http://www.ntdtv.com

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