On March 19, 2010, (armed with immunizations from Passport Health LA) I was lucky enough to travel to Istanbul, Turkey. The sights and sounds of the city remain with me and remind me all at once of a simpler way of life and of the realities of living in a metropolis of 20 million people.
I of course visited the big tourist sites like the cathedral-turned -mosque- turned kind of both- Aya Sophia. Topkapi palace was a fascinating look into the former lives of the sultans and included a harem complex and a kitchen equipped to serve 5,000 people daily. The Blue Mosque (my first time in one) was one of the most beautiful buildings I’d ever seen. I was amazed at the tile and stained glass pieces and was moved by the years of reverence and prayer that the walls vibrated with. The spice bazaar was a sight to behold. Locals haggled with vendors of all kinds. Spices, textiles, teas, lamps, clothes, plants—WOW!
Friends teaching English in Istanbul were my hosts and I definitely got treated to some “off the beaten path “local flavor. They live in Uzkudar which is on the Asian side of Turkey. It’s more conservative with a lot less tourists. We visited a salty sailor looking chain smoking artist named Bihrat, and practiced the small amount of Turkish we knew at the local bakeries and markets. I got hooked on pistachio and walnut baklava and locally made Turkish delight—mmmmm.
What I loved most was buying fresh food daily from the market place, walking up the 7 flights of stairs to my friend’s apartment and looking out at the beautiful view of Asia and Europe over the Bosporus strait. I also loved being out with the people and away from all of the chain stores in the United States. The whole while there, I only saw one McDonalds (they had Kumpir lamb burgers!), one Burger King and of course Starbucks. All of these were in Tunel-a “SoHo” like part of town on the European side.
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I know that progress is inevitable. Turkey is anxious to join the EU. But I hope it is able to maintain its old world feel and charm. Like the scores of fisherman on the Galata Bridge, the chestnut vendors on the street and the relaxing ferry boat rides between the continents. It was truly a trip I will never forget.
Great pics homie!
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