Istanbul on Christmas Day

                         In front of the Blue Mosque and fountain

                                      Hagia Sophia

                                      Blue Mosque

                        Palatium Cafe and Restaurant-definitely coming back!

                                   Lamb Chops were awesome

I was excited to head back to Istanbul on Christmas Day as our Christmas Eve in Budapest was a total deb. :( It was a quiet Christmas evening and there were hints of Christmas spirit, even though it's not celebrated here. We ate dinner at a cozy spot called Palatium Cafe (across the street from the Four Seasons hotel). They had Christmas decorations decked out for the tourists and service was great. The place is super chill with people laying out on beanbag chairs (covered in traditional Kilim) smoking nargile and enjoying good food and drinks. I couldn't have asked for a better Christmas setting. Took some dope pics of the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia too. 

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Christmas Eve

             Andrassy Ave was completely deserted. This pic was taken around 20:00

                                   No dancing tonight :(

     Not my favorite Christmas Eve meal, but it was better than chocolate and chips back at the flat.

                Anyone up for a root canal?? Only place opened on Christmas Eve!

Probably the worst day of the year possible for a tourist to be in Budapest. By 14:00, all stores, markets, restaurants, attractions, and public transportation shuts down. I found myself googling in our flat, "What is a tourist to do in Budapest on Christmas Eve?". The answer: Nothing. Food options are LIMITED! We trekked along Andrassy Ave. and found one or two spots open, but we ended up at the Oktogon and had Turkish food! What else?! 

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Christmas Markets

                                          Vienna

                                             Prague

                                 Kaiserpunsch from Vienna

                           Kurtos Kalacs (available in Prague and Budapest)

                                Streudels-they taste good cold!

                                  Beautiful glass ornaments

                                         Budapest

I can't think of anywhere else I rather be on Christmas, but roaming these beautiful markets. The tastes, sights, and sounds will have you head over heels. After six years of traveling for Christmas and my birthday, this is definitely on the top of my list. :)
Prague: Honey Wine and I enjoyed the Langos (fried dough topped with garlic, ketchup, and grated cheese) but you're gonna have some kickin garlic breath!
Vienna: Hands down best place to shop for ornaments. Best part is that the stands are color coordinated (I stuck with the snow white ornaments!) After strolling around numerous markets, the only market we were able to find Kaiserpunsch (best punsch!) was at the Rathausplatz market. Side Trip: The Salzburg Christmas market in the center of town had the best wurst and sauerkraut.
Budapest: Head to Vorosmarty Square. Kurtos Kalacs (cylinder shaped pastry coated in cinnamon sugar, vanilla, or walnuts) and the Streudels. The hot cherry beer was also a notable drink.

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