7:15
A shrill sound fills the room like a giant wave sweeps the coastline and it makes the windows shake; it works even better than an alarm clock to wake you up in the morning. The pale light coming in through the curtains takes over every inch of space and after a couple of minutes of lingering, the sunshine bursts in the room with intense rays; the triumphant beginning of a new day. Outside these walls there's a city waking up and the routines of millions of people are just starting. The garbage truck has already reached the end of the street when it's time to get some breakfast. For today it's just Ayran and Simit at Taksim square, Afiyet Olsun! A couple of old ladies run to catch the Taksim-Tünel tram, people hurry to catch the next bus or the Füniküler to Findikli. The whole city comes to life in such a fast pace that I even forgot what I was thinking just minutes before when I was lying half asleep in the cozy bed of the apartment in Cihangir.

Breakfast time.

11:45
Kids at school, students at the university, people at work, so much hustle and bustle before midday in the city. Though it seems to be a restless beat what moves the crowds in Istanbul, there are still spots where you can enjoy the most startling silence even during the busiest times of the day. It might seem sometimes that huge cities are hostile, but Istanbul is not the case. Even if there are a million things to be done, you still come across scenes that could well take place at some town in the rural area of the country.

Morning.

13:20
After a long morning of exploration in Balat and Eyüp, we are hungry and tired. What a better idea than having lunch under the Galata bridge with a view of the New Mosque? Judging by the hundreds of fishing rods hanging above us, the fish must be fresh. Anyway, it's a perfect moment to just take in the view and listen to the almost constant sound of vapurs crossing from one continent to the other or  to the Black Sea or the Sea of Marmara.

Lunch time.

14:50
Describing a city would be quite hard if we didn't mention its people. In fact, I believe that every individual is directly influenced by its environment and naturally absorbs what surrounds him or her. That is why observing people and their behaviour can help you get a better idea of what a city is like. Istanbul is diverse and dynamic in every aspect; this pulsating metropolis owes its vitality to its people.

Istanbulis.

15:30
It's always time for a çay pause. Enjoying a cup of this hot beverage somewhere in Fatih or just chilling with a jaw-dropping view of the city skyline, dominated by minarets and domes of elegant imperial Ottoman mosques, a pause for tea is perhaps the greatest idea to just unwind and feel the city. 

Tea pause.

16:01
And since we are on vacation, why not another pause? But this time for Turkish coffee! Be it in Karaköy or Sultanahmet, let yourself be carried away by the amazing sights this city has to offer while you sip on your cute porcelain cup. Try having it with a local and it will surely upgrade your experience. You will not want to reject a second or third one.

Pause for turkish coffee.

18:00
One of the most beautiful sounds that you can ever hear is the call to prayer performed by the muezzins, who let the faithful know it's once again time to praise God. Muslims pray five times a day and each call is accompanied by this almost mystical chant that enters through your ears and goes straight to your heart. Regardless of their routines, both women and men take time for this activity, which is one of the five pillars of the religion.

Prayer time.

22:30
A long day is over, but for some people it is just beginning. Blue hour in Istanbul is a feast for the eyes and it is even more impressive to observe the wonderful colours of the sky and how they modify the structures that your eyes have only seen during daytime. Walking past the Galata bridge, I can't help but notice that there are still fishermen working. After a Kebab at Taksim square and more çay (yes, in Istanbul çay is within a shouting distance), it's time to get some rest. Along the way, you'll still see the same hustle and bustle seen during the morning, a sign of the city's endless energy and vibrant beat.
While getting ready for bed I look at the wooden floor of the apartment and feel kinda trapped. But one must not forget that a city is also its closed spaces. It's just that with so much energy running through my veins, I feel I can take down walls and I want to walk for hours having no idea of where I´m going. I just know that wherever Istanbul is taking me, it'll be worth it.

The end of just another day.