I’m going on record to say that Istanbul is one of my all-time favourite cities— a big call made by someone who’s on her way to her 60th country next year. But somewhere between the food, the friendly people, and the extraordinary cityscape, I fell in love deeper and deeper with Turkey’s capital city with every step {and ferry boat ride} I took. The colourful streets of Balat, charming corners in Karaköy, and ethereal sunsets from on the water made for some of the most magical travel memories of my year. Istanbul surprised me by just how swept-off-my-feet I felt by the end of my stay.