I Heart Istanbul

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Today, while walking through the narrow alleyways of the Spice Bazaar, I experienced a distinct feeling of euphoria. It’s not the first time that an encounter with curry has brought me to ecstasy, but this time, it felt like something more. It felt like I was falling in love. After only three short days, Istanbul is fast becoming one of my favorite cities in the world. It’s by far the biggest and most tourist-ridden city I’ve ever been, but the hordes in no way detract from its magic. There is a reason why people are drawn here.

Since the dawn of civilization, people have been in this spot, doing all the things people do so well: conquering, praying, scheming, procreating, and building. The end result is an eclectic jumble of Roman ruins next to Ottoman mosques and modern high-rises, chadors (the head-to-toe coverings for women) next to mini-skirts. Istanbul is the perfect amalgamation of East and West, of old and new. Everything finds itself at home here, myself included. I stand out as a foreigner (“Hey lady! Where from? You look like States.”), yet I’m completely anonymous as a tourist. And I love it.

I love that dondurma (ice cream) is chewy and I love the shape my mouth makes while trying to pronounce words like üsküdar. I love that prayers are broadcast over the entire city five times a day. I love that children’s playgrounds have exercise equipment and that fisherman wear button-up shirts and slacks (or is it that businessmen also fish?). Most of all, I love that Hammer-pants are completely acceptable attire.

Never has a city so quickly captured my heart. And I’ve barely ventured outside of Sultanahmet, where most of the tourist hotspots are located. I could easily see myself settling in here, trying to uncover all of the city’s secrets. Maybe it’s for the best that I already have a ticket out, or my no-plan plan might’ve turned into something altogether unplanned.

NOTE: I'm obviously very behind in updates, already. My internet availability is not what I had hoped it would be. When I can connect, I'll probably be sending a few updates at once, so sorry in advance for overloading you. However, I don't plan on writing too much about the city as all this information can just as easily be obtained from a travel, or history, book)

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[Trulte]

Bookstore
Check outthe bookstore close to the Pudding Shop, the owner there gives you money back if you don't like the book he suggests!