I'm Tim, and I'm from San Francisco. I'm living in Beyoglu on and off right now, staying part time here and part time in SF. I know only a few people here at the moment and am eager to meet a few more. I've just started learning Turkish and may hire a private tutor for that. Let me know if you have any recommendations. Also, I like to eat out and enjoy a little night life. I'd like to take some day trips from Istanbul and am trying to figure out what's good. Also, if you have any recommendations for good places to hang out with expats, I'd appreciate recommendations for that, too. Istanbul is an awesome place.

Hi Tim, a few expats will be in Taps bar in Nisantisi tonight, feel free to come along, ask the cabbie to take you to Nisantisi Abdi Ipekci Caddesi get out at a bar cafe called Midpoint which is on the right side as you come up the street (Abdi Ipekci Caddesi) and take the first right turning walk about 30 yards and Taps ison the right, actaully if you make it to Nisantisi Abdi Ipekci street and ask someone they will tell you where it is.

Pheonix, Thanks! As luck will have it, I have a date at Babylon tonight, but I really wanted to check on Nişantaşı. I leave for SF Mon then am back in about 10 days. Can I contact you about another time when I get back? My email BTW is timcovington@earthlink.net. Cheers, Tim

Welcome Tim. How was your date? Dates are great. I like your avatar, makes me feel drunk!

Hi Human, sorry a few of us are leaving mid December for Christmas, just post when your back and someone will arrange something.

Hi Tim and welkome!!

I'm sure you will have fun here!!!

Hi Tim,

Welcome to Istanbul. So you are a parttimer here in Ist and in SF...LUCKY YOU!!!

Enjoy!
Vic.

Welcome Tim. Pulling double duty between Ist and SF. I'm bet your airline knows you on a first name basis. Been there before and don't envy you one bit. If you're not too jet lagged to get out from time to time, you should have a great time.

How long is the double duty to last, or is this a slow transition to a permanent address in Turkey?

Thanks everybody for the warm welcome. Pheonix, I'll just catch up when you're back after the holidays. I'll be around in January, especially later in the month. Well, I don't know where I'll be living when. I've been staying in temporary digs while I've been in Istanbul - great place in Cihangir with a view even, but it's not home. I'll need to start looking for an apartment soon. Ideally, I'd like to be in Beyoglu or be walking distance from it. Yeah, I'm commuting back and forth to SF right now (here in SF at the moment, back in Istanbul on the 14th). It's a drag, but as a buddy said "think of all the frequent flyer miles!). I'm in a new relationship (in Istanbul), so expect to spend more and more time in Ist. Does anyone have any neighborhoods to recommend I check out?

Depends on what you're looking for and how much you're willing to pay obviously. One option is Nisantasi - about 25 minute flat walk from Beyoglu, upscale shopping district / residential area, quite lively. Expensive but nothing compared to SF.

I lived in Cihangir for two years and liked it, and everybody else I know who lives there, also likes it. Most people that I know who live in Beyoglu though, are quite annoyed, by the other people and by the noise (roof top bars), mainly. In walking distance I cannot think of anything else really.

Cihangir is good and has a variety of places to hang out and decent food/wine shops.
Galata is less crowded with no where to hang out really and basic shops but you have Tünel 50 metres away for the cafe life.
Like Utabe, I don't know anyone who is really happy living on Istiklal or just off.

I like Tünel better than Cihangir though it can get as busy in the summer/at the weekend (impossible to find a seat) and it attracts a few undesirables in the 2-3 older cheaper bars.

I previously lived near Taksim police station just off Istiklal and is ok as long as you have place near the top of a building to get away from the noise or a good backstreet it is ok. Cihangir will give you something a bit calmer and easy access to the nightlife. I have lived in a few places around Istiklal and i personally liked the busy atmosphere and crowds, although now going to go off to party central that is Ataşehir, rocking the suburbs.

How many people joined since I last checked out this forum ? Welcome to Istanbul and to this forum. SF is a great place. I had the chance to live there for 6 months for an internship and enjoyed it a lot. You're very lucky to have the opportunity to live in two cities (or should I say 2 countries).. Travelling can be tough but if u like what u r doing, its just a small detail. I also wasnt able to join any of the get togethers but I would like to in the near future.