I left the US to start over and I've spent the past few months falling love with Istanbul. The city is stunning and bustling — and I find that my American dollars go far here. For example, I'm living in a digital-nomad hotel in Kadikoy, one of the hippest neighborhoods on the Asian side, right by the water. I'm able to save money each month, which I always found challenging to do while living in NYC. I've had chestnuts, corn, and mussels stuffed with spiced rice and topped with fresh lemon juice for just a few dollars.

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Persons: I've, It's, —, who's, I'd, Maria Mocerino, Hagia Sophia Organizations: Service, East, West, Yorker Locations: Istanbul, United States, Los Angeles and New York City, —, Central Asia, Kadikoy, NYC, Europe, Asia, Marmara, Hagia, Sultanahmet, Beyoğlu