Istanbul advice

* On your own two feel really is the best way to explore the town as the buses are always overcrowded and the taxis drive round in circles. Be sure to pack a good pair of strong walking shoes. * The coffee is always way too sweet and the tea is served in a very tiny glass. But that's just the way it is here. * Non-Muslims should avoid visiting mosques at prayer times, especially at Friday noon. You may enter the mosque, but dress modestly: no shorts, short skirts or bare shoulders. Shoes have to be removed before entering the mosques. * Buy a pocket dictionary as some places have announcements written only in Turkish. * Careful about the money bills, as they all look the same with only slight variations in color. Don't end up paying 10 million Turkish lira when it only costs 1 million.