Girly

Just a girl chasing the beauty in this world, to the best of her abilities.

[self-love-is-underrated]

Chicken Pho Dish

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Vietnamese things only ❤️

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Hanoi Train Station 🥹❤️

[self-love-is-underrated]

[self-love-is-underrated]

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Hanoi has a unique beauty ❤️

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Will be going back one day. ❤️

[self-love-is-underrated]

Simply Put: Lebanon

I go on such short trips, and stayed in Lebanon for only a few days. This is just a short, small guide:

1. Transportation:

While in Lebanon, I extensively used Bolt app to get cabs, only in very few occasions did the driver request more than what was already written in the app, and those were for places that were slightly further. Never get a taxi on the street, they will rip you off! Hotels might be able to arrange transportation for you from the airport, and that might be expensive. However, I booked a taxi through Bolt from the airport to Hamra area, and it costed only $6.

3. Internet and Simcard:

Simcards are slightly overpriced in Lebanon. You can get an e-sim for way cheaper. I recommend using Airalo. It is very reliable, and really cheap for limited data. You can use this code: Girly7006 to get $3 off of your first purchase.

4. Food:

I tried several places the short time that I had, and I found these two restaurants in particular to be the best: Appetito Trattoria, and San Stephano resort. I really loved the food at both of these places. I especially loved the fish that was served in the San Stephano resort's restaurant. You should also seriously try out the side dishes that they have. Lebanon is known for really good side dishes.

5. Other cities:

Lebanon is such a small country. I am not very well aware on the politics side of things, or how safe the south is, but other than that, I believe you should visit all its other cities. They are all beautiful. Byblos, Batroun, and Jounieh are all on each others way, and each is probably an hour away from Beirut or less.

[self-love-is-underrated]

Vietnam is as beautiful as it can get!

[self-love-is-underrated]

Tips for Your Istanbul Trip

Here is a guide I much needed before getting to Istanbul myself. I will try to very shortly describe everything, starting from the Istanbul International Airport..

1. Getting Around

I found the Istanbul transportation system pretty convenient, especially because it was so cheap. If you are planning on spending several days in Istanbul, then it is best if you get an Istanbul Kart, that you can use to get trams, busses, metros, and ferries. At the Istanbul International Airport, you will be able to find a yellow vending machine at the basement level where you can get your card, and top it up as well. You can either use cash or your credit card on these machines. Avoid taxis and Ubers as much as you can because to get around using the public transport is 10 times cheaper, and frankly faster considering the fact that Istanbul is such a busy city.

2. Internet

I found the sim card prices in Istanbul to be rather pricy. I believe I spent around 30 or 40 USD, and I only stayed for such a short time! So not worth it. I recommend using the Airalo app, and get yourself an e-sim. But please first check if your phone is indeed compatible for an e-sim before getting it. You can get 2 GB for 15 days for only 6.5 USD, and I honestly think that is as cheap as it can get. You can also use this code to get a discount on your purchase: (GIRLY7006).

If you cannot purchase an e-sim however, I recommend searching online before hand to know exactly how to get to your accommodation, and get a sim card in the city. It will be much cheaper that way.

3. Money Exchange

Please do not exchange your money at the airport, they will give you the WORST exchange rate ever. Instead, get yourself to the shops around the Grand Bazaar, and check the rate on the internet, and see which shop gives you the best rate.

4. Food

Istanbul has some really really good food, but try to avoid touristy places. Instead go to places where the locals eat at. Sultan Ahmet area is a beautiful place, but because of how touristy it is, most of the places will charge you so much, and the food is not good at all.

[wanderthewood]

Chicago, Illinois by nathanielintransit

[petitworld]

Chesterfield, England by Jeffrey Newcomer

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Istanbul: Underrated and Overrated Things

Searching for Istanbul, you see a very similar list of food to try and places to see. So are they all worth it? Here is a list of things that I consider overrated or underrated, based on my very personal opinion :)

Simit: Very Overrated

Before going to Istanbul, I could not wait to try out the famous simits. And listen, I only had one, but did I hate it? No, I did not. I am deprived of the feeling of hate while travelling. But while I did not hate it, it truly was the worst thing ever. It was cold, and frankly kinda old.

2. Sultan Ahmet Area: Very Underrated

I am just saying it is underrated based on the fact that it could never be not underrated. I do not know if I make sense. Anyways, it is a place that is close to literally everything, and you can easily tick off most of the major Istanbul attractions within one day by staying here! Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, the Grand Bazaar, the Spice Bazaar, and the Egyptian Bazar are all within walking distance.

3. Maiden's Tower: Kinda Overrated

Do not take my word for this one. I did not even go there myself. There was a big line of people waiting, and the ticket was around 20 USD. I did some analysis, and figured that I will basically have the same view on top of there as I had on the very cheap cruise that took me around. So I guessed not worth the wait or the money. But it was absolutely beautiful from the distance, and I got a very good look of it.

4. Manti: Most Underrated Thing Ever

Honestly, honestly, the best food ever! This was really really good, the taste and everything. Manti is basically these dumplings, sometimes filled with ground beef, and usually has red sauce and yoghurt on it. Turkiye is the home for it. Definitely try it if ever there!

5. Cruises!! : Very Underrated

The whole time I was in Istanbul, I was just thinking of one thing. These people can and are taking a cruise to transport within the city very CASUALLY. How must that feel? Do they also realize how beautiful that is? Or is it just me because I am a tourist and so unused to this? These public cruises are so cheap, and very convenient, and honestly the sea is just beautiful. I do not need to tell you to try them out because you will have to if there anywayss.

6. Baklava: Can Never be Overrated

Do not take my word on this one either. I am very biased towards baklava. Baklava is my love language. It is something that I love very very much. But to be honest, Turkiye is its home, so they make it the best. You should definitely have some when there. It is worth it, believe me!!

7. Balat: Most Beautiful Place Ever

If you love color as much as I do, you are gonna love this place, and you are gonna rent a place, and you are gonna end up living here for the rest of your entire life. Ok, I am being slightly dramatic here. But seriously, this place is beautiful and a neighborhood of art.

8. Galata Tower: The Symbol of Istanbul Itself

This area is beautiful, and there are many shops around it that frankly have some very affordable beautiful clothes as well! And when you are around, do not forget to try out the Sebastian Cheesecake. I repeat DO NOT FORGET because I did :( But I will go back for it one day I swear.