You're on my page TRAVELSIG - I absolutely want to avoid the sleazier types of places. Frankly speaking, I like a drink - but I don't let getting absolutely smashed, nor do I like it when others in party become this way, and become a liability to those more sensible.
I once went on a stag which was just 4 days of drinking... From dawn til dusk... Sounds like fun on paper, but well, it's not for me. And I'm a bit older now than I was then, haha!
I love all of the places you've mentioned above, Istanbul being the one that pique's my curiosity the most! I'll do some research, and test my persuasion powers on the others thereafter!
Thanks again!