Istanbul, if any city, has always been connected to adventure and excitement. It has been a geographic port to East and West, and many armies have marched through it, leaving their signs and destruction behind. It has also been a religious gate and battleground for different ideologies. Many authors, like Agatha Christie, have used its atmosphere in novels. Fictionary spies, like James Bond, and real-life spies like Cicero during WWII have had their moments here. Today the city is again a hot spot for happenings and excitement.