Job Discussion Forums

big3bc · Joined: 27 Oct 2007 Posts: 132 Location: Turkey

I have been here in Istanbul for the better part of 11 years. I have only gone out at night a couple of times during my tenure (for a number of reasons).
My problem is I have an old friend from college coming to visit next month, and I have no idea where to take him. Being single, he would like to meet members of the opposite sex.
He is in his late 40's, and has no desire to go to a noisy, sweaty disco. We both like to imbibe, so a bar or restaurant that serves alcohol is preferred.
I guess what I'm looking for is a place where the women are at least friendly to Americans, and can speak some English. I live on the Asian side near Kadik�y, and have no desire to take him to "Bar Street" in Kadik�y. Been there and done that.
Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Listener · Joined: 17 Jun 2005 Posts: 140 Location: Istanbul

Been offline for a while and just saw this. I'd recommend 5. kat in Cihangir or 360 on istiklal street, but they're not cheap. Maybe Cezayir at the top of French st? Haven't been there for years, but I remember it being nice... and Orhan Pamuk supposedly hangs out there, if your friend would think that cool...

Strangely enough, I find that whenever I go to a Cafe Nero and bring my netbook or paperwork men are always hitting on me, it seems to be some kind of bizarre pickup place. Both the one in Nisantasi and in Caddebostan or wherever that is on the Asian side!

Otterman Ollie · Posted: Mon Sep 14, 2009 7:35 am Post subject:

I do find this type of post strange and amusing, yet just a little sad. There you are living in one of the most amazing, vibrant and alive cities on the planet and have been doing so for more than a decade and you haven't bothered to get off your fat backside and see what on earth is out there!
I put this down to your cultural handicap, that means an inability to exist and enjoy somewhere other than your own blighted place of birth.
I do hope your friend has more success than you at creating some semblance of a social circle in the short time he will visit, but as far as you are concerned he has nothing to beat. why on earth did you come to Turkey in the first place if you can't be bothered to explore it?

big3bc · Joined: 27 Oct 2007 Posts: 132 Location: Turkey

Might I ask who empowered you to make such ignorant comments on my lifestyle?
Fat backside? Cultural handicap? Blighted place of birth?
Whenever I encounter people like you, be it here on the internet, or in person, I am always reminded of a quote by the great writer, Oscar Wilde, "Ridicule is the tribute paid to genius by mediocrities."

fishmb · Joined: 08 Jul 2009 Posts: 184 Location: Istanbul

Genius?

Otterman Ollie · Posted: Tue Sep 15, 2009 10:37 am Post subject:

Well unless you are prepared to show us your well padded behind in an otherwise condition, I think my remarks are well founded.
Plus of course you have jumped on them( my remarks) with predictable and typical outrage ( as if I just bombed one of your cities) which really reinforces what I said. Moreover, anybody who asks for help on where to take a visitor to a place like Istanbul after living there as long as you have is anything but a genius!!!!!!

big3bc · Joined: 27 Oct 2007 Posts: 132 Location: Turkey

Speaking as an American whose university roommate and closest friend was on the 103rd floor of the South Tower on 9/11, your words were very poorly chosen.

Otterman Ollie · Posted: Tue Sep 15, 2009 12:59 pm Post subject:

Don't bring that guilt trip bs down here!

jamessmart50 · Joined: 14 Nov 2005 Posts: 91 Location: Istanbul, Turkey

Oh no! Excuse us! Ok, you're not sad at all, you're untouchable because you had a friend who died. Like, 9 years ago. Maybe that's why you haven't left the house in all that time, you've been too busy grieving. My condolences to you, him (or her), his family and their friends. Gosh.

I wonder he lived on the 103rd floor for 11 years and never got round to checking out New York?

big3bc · Joined: 27 Oct 2007 Posts: 132 Location: Turkey

Isn't it strange how a simple thread asking for some simple information can evolve into this? One responder knows absolutely nothing about me, but has no problem passing judgement on everything I say or do (or don't do). Another feels the need to stick his two cents in where it certainly isn't needed. To Mr. Smart, very few who lost a husband, friend etc. will ever get over what happened on that day. Life does not simply go on. If you don't believe me, go to www.survivorsnet.org. Present your snide comments to a couple of people there, and see what their reaction is. My best friend's wife has several threads at that site. Tell her (and others) in the same rude manner what you told me- it's been 8 years, get over it! I would love to read their replies.

jamessmart50 · Joined: 14 Nov 2005 Posts: 91 Location: Istanbul, Turkey

My students tell me that the Jews did it.

I just don't know what to believe anymore. Maybe I should check out your grieving athletes site and ask them.

teacher29 · Joined: 19 Aug 2009 Posts: 11

How sad this thread has turned into insults. Over the past few years my nights out have turned into nights in. Having lived in the same city for 2 years, I have no idea where to go at night to meet people of the opposite sex but have many wonderful ideas for long dinners and which sights should be seen during the day. Perhaps that's the same with the author of this thread.

That being said, I'm actually interested in a proper response. I have not arrived yet but will be having visitors who would probably be interested in going to places that the original author noted.

big3bc · Joined: 27 Oct 2007 Posts: 132 Location: Turkey

Amen.

fishmb · Joined: 08 Jul 2009 Posts: 184 Location: Istanbul

Too late. The thread needs to be locked before it gets even worse.

Otterman Ollie · Posted: Thu Sep 17, 2009 8:37 am Post subject:

Ok, let me see if I can tip the balance.
Big3bc, ( what on earth does that mean?) sorry to hear about those people who died like 8 odd years ago and will always be held up in higher regard than all those who went before and after.
Look mate, we all know you septics don't get out much, but on this one occassion seeing as you GOT a visitor, try just opening the front door and have a bit of fun, you know celebrate life. I assume you can do a simple thing like that without bringing up the history of dead friends and relatives, Coz frankly all that is old news now, move on!