I haven't written in a long time. There is a lot to talk about, for this post though I am going to focus on the best trip I have ever taken, Istanbul! I really don't think I can put into words how much I love Istanbul and Turkey as a whole. It will be very hard to explain the depth of the culture and the experience I had there. Well, here goes...
I have to say I was a little nervous to go to Istanbul in the first place. I had received a lot of mixed reactions and warnings about the city and the government but after going there I don't have a single regret. Turkey is a wonderful country with a very rich culture. Istanbul itself has so much to offer a visitor. First, the people are an extremely accepting group, in love with their country. They rave about it and are so happy to have tourists walking the streets soaking up all the city has to offer. The people want to talk and learn about different places and about how much they love their homeland. It's wonderful to hear such passion. I could rave about how I felt so welcome in their country, but I won't. I'll just say the Turkish people exceeded my expectations of hospitality.
I'm already doing a poor job of explaining why I love Istanbul so much...I can't do it justice. Honestly, I need to suggest that everyone try to travel to Turkey in their lifetime. No one would regret it.
My favorite part about Istanbul was the Grand Bazaar. Yes, partly because I spent my life savings on souvenirs, but also because it was a great place to experience Turkish culture. On the bright side the Turkish Lira is not strong, especially in comparison to the Euro. The exchange rate is about two Lire to every one Euro. Good deal. The Grand Bazaar does not have fixed prices, I bargained my heart out. Even better deal. I bought a lot of stuff, including a lamp. Yes, I bought a lamp and I am super excited about putting it in my room next year. It may even become the main attraction in my apartment. We'll see...
The items sold at the Bazaar ranged from T-shirts and scarves to expensive rugs and hand painted pottery. Beautiful, beautiful souvenirs, which I already know I want to keep all to myself. Too bad I have to give some of them as gifts...
After the Bazaar my friends and I went to the Blue Mosque. It is called the Blue Mosque because inside the mosaics are predominantly blue. It's a beautiful place. In order to enter we needed to take off our shoes and put scarves on our heads. I felt so spiritual in the Mosque, a strange calm came over me and I felt so peaceful. I really can't describe it more than that. It was an experience I won't soon forget.
The second night we were there we debated about things to do. We finally decided to have a bakery crawl. Best decision I've ever made. Seriously. These bakeries have the best sweets I have ever tasted...In my life. I had tea and cake, and baklava, and more cake, then some cake with cream and fruit, it was delicious.
The last really exciting thing I think I can put into words is this: ASIA AND EUROPE in the SAME DAY! Turkey is 2/3 Asian and 1/3 European. I have been to both parts, I flew into the Asian part and stayed in the European part. Yes, two continents in the same trip. Oh ciao! I love my life.
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