People have settled in and around Istanbul since 6500 BC. "Modern Istanbul" has been settled around the year 685 BC. Yeah it is a pretty old city. It is so old that to this day people would say "I am going to the City" to mean that they are traveling to Istanbul. During my brief visit to Istanbul this week, I had the chance to go to the old city center and re-live my youth

I started at the Grand Bazaar which was established in 1461 as a way to generate funds to support Aya Sophia (St. Sophia Church). Today, 30,000 people work in the Bazaar.

As you approach this original "Mall of the World" you start to see an increase in foot traffic. The noise of crowds packed into narrow streets filled with shops of all kinds hits you like a brick wall. As you approach the main entrance of the Covered Bazaar you notice the old seal of the Ottoman Empire and Arabic scripture that most Turks cannot read today.

Inside is filled with more than 58 streets, over 1,200 shops, and between 250,000 and 400,000 visitors daily. Gold shops are always a favorite of ladies.

On the way to the Blue Mosque I was pleasantly hit by Istanbul's famous street vendors. First the Juice Stand with fresh Pomegranate, Orange and Grapefruit selections.

Around the corner, I see a giant Tulip statue which has been the symbol of Turks for thousands of years. I know this sounds weird to Americans who associate Tulip with Holland. The story goes that it was illegal to export Tulips from the Ottoman Empire. In the 1700s, a Dutch Ambassador to the Ottoman Empire smuggled a single Tulip bulb which started the famous Tulip Craze. Today, Holland by far is the Tulip country and more power to them

And then the Chestnut and Corn vendor. I especially like the corn that is cooked over an open fire. (I can only get at Jackson's in Northern Virginia)

Following them I am hit with an "Eskici" which literally means "One who picks up old things." He screams "Eskici is here." Women come out of their homes to give him piles of newspapers, metal items which he buys by the Kilograms. Eskicis have been around in Istanbul for centuries and I realize that they are the original recyclers.

Around the corner, I see a giant Tulip statue which has been the symbol of Turks for thousands of years. I know this sounds weird to Americans who associate Tulip with Holland. The story goes that it was illegal to export Tulips from the Ottoman Empire. In the 1700s, a Dutch Ambassador to the Ottoman Empire smuggled a single Tulip bulb which started the famous Tulip Craze. Today, Holland by far is the Tulip country and more power to them

Around the corner, I see a giant Tulip statue which has been the symbol of Turks for thousands of years. I know this sounds weird to Americans who associate Tulip with Holland. The story goes that it was illegal to export Tulips from the Ottoman Empire. In the 1700s, a Dutch Ambassador to the Ottoman Empire smuggled a single Tulip bulb which started the famous Tulip Craze. Today, Holland by far is the Tulip country and more power to them.

I then walked to my favorite restaurant of the area, Sultan Ahmet Koftecisi which has been run by the same family for the last 81 years. They are known for their Barbecued Meat Balls. I ordered a 1.5 portions (yes you can customize your orders) with Bean Salad and a fresh cup of home made Yogurt with a thick and creamy crust.

At the end of my day, I took a taxi that drove me through the ancient narrow streets of Istanbul and onto John F. Kennedy Highway that was build after the death of the late American President. From Byzantines to Sultan Ahmet to John F. Kennedy Istanbul still lives on.