We found a flat!

Today we signed a lease on a flat! It is so cool and amazing, in a great part of town, safe, furnished, etc. We already moved some of our stuff over there this evening and will be leaving the hotel tomorrow morning. I am so excited to be getting out of the hotel and beginning our 'normal' life in Istanbul.

Here are some pictures to give you an idea of what its like. For anyone thinking of coming to visit us here, you really have to. We're in a great area, full of more bars, cafes, and restaurants you could count, a night life that just goes on and on and on, and it is beautiful and historic too. Amazing. This year is just off to such a great start.

The place is fully furnished and has some pretty cool decorations. The owner is an artist, and some of her paintings are on the wall. It definitely has an arty touch. We've been told that right around us, in the Tunel area, it is full of artists studios and such things. I think we'll meet some interesting people around here.

This is our little loft bedroom. We have a double bed and in the extra nook we have a single bed. It's a pretty small, and not at all private guest room, but still. Its better than a sleeping bag on the floor!

Our little kitchen is down a few stairs. We have a giant American size fridge, a microwave, washing machine and dishwasher. This will be the first time I've ever had a dishwasher! Our new oven is being delivered later today. Our stove is a two ring hot plate sort of thing. It will take some getting used to, but this seems to be a feature of many apartments in Istanbul.

This is the view from our little courtyard. Its a bit plain at the moment, but in the spring it will be nice to spruce it up with some plants and maybe a little table and chairs or something.