Welcome to Global Family Travels  2014 Winter newsletter and thank you for joining our mailing list and being part of our community!  
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My husband and I had traveled to Istanbul while on a backpacking trip early in our marriage. We fell in love with the people, the city, the culture, the vibe, and of course, the delectable food!! We had the opportunity to return a decade or so later back in 2009, but this time with three small children in tow. People told us we were crazy. It was too dangerous they warned. We were undeterred.

While the city had changed dramatically in terms of improved infrastructure, shopping, and other modern conveniences, it goes without saying that the breathtaking historical and cultural attractions remained the same. Walking through the Aya Sophia and Blue Mosque is mind blowing; eating kebabs in the ancient bazaar is priceless, as is negotiating with the shop keepers for something to bring home.

However, the spirit of the city and its lovely inhabitants are what make this such an incredible family friendly destination. Everywhere we went, we were warmly welcomed, greeted with sincere smiles, and shown genuine generosity.  At the fish market, for example, each of the kids was handed a small sea horse to take home. Clearly, we were tourists and not going to be buying any fish to cook in our hotel room, so there was no ulterior motive on behalf of the giver.

One of our favorite memories was a spontaneous visit to a packed barber shop on a Friday night (my youngest son loves to get his hair cut).  We couldn't communicate with the people working there, but by gesturing, understood we were welcomed. Each of the children was given the same time and attention as the adult patrons. They received shampoos, long head and shoulder massages, and a detailed haircut that still ranks as one of their best! Not only that, but one of the workers, on his own initiative, walked across the street and bought a fruit slushie for each of the kids!