Istanbul’s Got My Digits: S1 E2
Yesterday was a fascinating array into the world of Istanbullu ‘Mall Rats’. I had bought an electric water kettle early last week so the coffee could keep flowing uninterrupted. I hated it as soon as I put it into action. First, the metal element was exposed at the bottom of the kettle and I hate that old style function as you can start to visibly see the corrosion that will soon develop and then have nightmares about what that is in fact doing to the water… Secondly, which has been confirmed by Jelly as well, is that the lid doesn’t stay open. Just an annoying feature to be sure.
I had it in my mind that I needed to return it ASAP. Of course it was Sunday yesterday and Cevahir was absolutely flooded with 'Mall Rats'. :) Just for the record I knew it would be, but I decided to brave it anyway. It was another beautiful day and there was some walking involved along with various forms of public transportation that I am managing to navigate through quite smoothly.
The exchange went without a hitch considering my basic Turkish skills. I happily trotted off to look for some other things on my treasure hunt list: goose-down comforter, toaster, high-pressure cooker, pot, pan, and another electric kettle. The coveted goose-down comforter has been rather elusive and indeed difficult to procure… I was foiled yet again in my efforts. As well the cool toaster I wanted. All else I found, with great effort I might add. Looking for heavy bottomed pans that are a reasonable price is a difficult quest, but I was determined to not walk out empty-handed. In the end, I managed to get all in one store! I was temporarily mesmerized by the cast-iron pans and started fantasizing about owning one, but they looked a little too ‘new age-y’ I guess is the word I’m looking for. What has happened to the cast-iron pans of yore I wonder?
The end result? I was a good consumer on a busy Sunday at Cevahir Mall. I have some observations to share that I found interesting; overtime I saw a cluster of people, they were waiting for the elevator, couples tend to hold hands on the escalators and don’t let go when you are trying to enter into the area and chaos ensues briefly while navigating, the staircases were not the preferred method of movement and so were empty, many people like to stand like a zombie staring at their phones and tend to do so at the entrance of escalators, stair cases (that they don’t use) and at store entrances. I suppose this is typical mall behavior in any country. I just don’t tend to see this back home in Hawaii.
So it’s Monday morning and I’m back in the courtyard striking keys and amusing myself watching the kitties in their morning lounge patterns. An adult is goading a juvenile to climb up a tree and cheering it on. It seems to be at an impasse and undecided if it should climb up further or abort mission. Popolo immediately ran up to me and shared the chaise lounge that I have commandeered. Two kittens down by Erin’s are scampering around and playing ‘Bat-Cat superhero training camp’ while their mother looks on cautiously. I’m going to make ‘kitty hotels’ with all my big boxes from kitchen stuff purchases! The trees are shimmering as the sun rises through the clouds. These huge crows are all atop the Armenian church and cackling away. All seems well in my world.
Today marks my one week arrival. Tomorrow marks my first day at work, thus tonight marks my first time to turn on an alarm clock in 2 months… So many achievements in a mere 24 hours! To celebrate the last day of weekday freedom I’m going to walk up to Garipçe. I think there might be a beach there… On the way back I figured I’d hit up the Monday fruit/vegetable market in Sariyer.
Aha! There is a house bordering the property here and something start jiggling and all the cats stopped immediately and ran to the house. An old woman is putting out food and drink. I’ve also noticed that the church caretaker (?) was feeding the cats on the other side of the property. I do love that about Turkey; all these cats are homeless, but taken care of by people. Some obviously are more fortunate than others, but this is definitely a ‘thing’ here that I love to see.
On a domestic note, my apartment is slowly starting to come together. It’s still too hot to actually sleep in my bed upstairs so I’m nesting on the couch instead. The university is taking all the new teachers to IKEA on Wednesday I think. This is a sweet gesture of a welcome wagon. I’ve actually never been to an IKEA so I’m intrigued. In fact, during my jet-lag phase I went onto their website and figured out what I need and then took measurements of my space.
With that in mind I will leave you all with this titillating cliffhanger: what WILL Holly come home from IKEA with? Will it be solely what is on her ‘need’ list, or will she find other non-essentials to purchase as well? The suspense is already building in her mind…
some links:
Garipçe
http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/garipce-a-little-village-untouched-by-istanbuls-third-bridge.aspx?pageID=238&nID=61399&NewsCatID=379
Sariyer.
https://www.google.com.tr/search?q=Sariyer+Turkey&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ved=0CBsQsARqFQoTCMflna3g0scCFUmQLAodMfkMug&biw=1440&bih=708
peace
Showing posts with label Istanbullu. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Istanbullu. Show all posts
8.30.2015
8.29.2015
Istanbul's got my digits: S1, Episode 1
Istanbul’s got my digits… Season 1 of my new reality series:
So I begin my Istanbul journey. I arrived, again, on August 24th. This time is different though. I am an Istanbul’s got my digits…
So I begin my Istanbul journey. I arrived, again, on August 24th. This time is different though. I am an Istanbullu now. I am in awe that such a long-term goal has been achieved. Perseverance.
I first arrived to its shores in 2001, right after 9-11. I came to visit L-fezz, who I went to University of Hawaii in Hilo with many moons ago. I’ve often traveled back- especially since living in the region the past 6 years. I even managed to live in Turkey during that time; Gaziantep to be specific. That was a great achievement certainly, moving to Turkey, but it wasn’t Istanbul…
I’ve often wondered throughout the past 6 years about my collected belongings that have been housed in L-fezz’s various apartment basements. My luggage has stories of their own to tell I’m sure. Hanging out with rats and cats and other critters sharing their space. They’ve weathered stormy winters, humid summers and idyllic spring and autumns certainly.
In the courtyard of my new digs in Büyükdere this I contemplate. It’s a splendid late summer morning and the garden kitties surround me. These kitties are a fortunate lot as they have a huge courtyard to laze about. There is no fear of foreign invaders I suppose- only other feral kitties wanting this to be their new address.
Popolo, as I call the sweet black kitty that purrs and follows me around begging for affection, has finally settled to the front of the chaise lounge I have made my headquarters (HQ) here. One other cat I’ve names- boots/bootzie. I’ve yet to figure out if male or female…Time will tell. I foresee many coffee-infused mornings at my HQ.
I’ve been told the apartment building is an old schoolhouse for the Armenian Catholic church next door. Observing the brick/stonework of both exteriors it appears to be true. The building feels like an old schoolhouse. Upon entering the top floor I always get the sense that I’m walking into a classroom as I unlock the door. I see the other 9 classrooms on my floor as well… What I can’t figure out is why their ceilings were so large because they are all (small) 2-floor ‘loft’ apartments with the bedroom and bathroom being on the 2nd floor. More of this story to unravel as days pass for sure. I’ll have to improve my Turkish drastically so I can ask the security guards- all of whom are sweet and cheerful and eager to help regardless of linguistic persuasion. Google translate has been helpful as well as providing comic relief.
Istanbul , after all these years, has remained in my mind. I never ventured too far off course, and always knew I would end up here one day.
Oh wow! The church bells just rang and all the dogs are singing an agitated chorus. It is 9:30 am. I guess this will be my natural Sunday wake-up call…
For me, Istanbul was the lover I met that taught me so much about life, but had to walk out on. Is wasn’t the right timing- for either of us… I kept coming back to Istanbul though, wanting more. The feeling was reciprocal. Istanbul kept luring me back with its secrets, its beauty, its debauchery. The feeling that I was straddling different worlds intrigued me. Istanbul was my drug of choice; I experimented with many drugs (Tunisia came close) but always stayed true to my preferred dose. Nope I never had a bad trip in Istanbul…
Living outside of the city center, so far, has been all I thought it would. Of course I’ve racked up a grand total of… seven days so far… I adore the Bosphorus and being right at its shores. I can walk maybe 500 meters and I’m at the water. I love this. I need this. The Belgrade forest is my backyard. So far Büyükdere seems to be the perfect Bosphorus village, for me as my entire point to my Istanbullu experience.
Freedom. I want to touch a bit on freedom. As I’m coming from a two-year stint living/working in the Middle East, I feel free with each step I take WALKING around the city. I have missed ambulating certainly. In the Middle East I was prisoner to my car, for many reasons; weather, no public transportation that was reliable, layout of the island(s) and proximity to places, etc. Mostly the place isn’t set up to walk, for most. I will say that the heat was oppressive. Never have I lived in a place where I hated the outdoors… Perhaps ‘hate’ is too harsh a word, but in retrospect I guess I safely hide behind this theory.
Yesterday is a great example of living out my freedom. Let me explain; I was on a quest to find Macrocenter in Yeniköy. Macrocenter is, I think, a gourmet-like grocery store that sells a lot of (expensive) organic produce/products. Google Maps told me it was 1.5 hours away from my current location. There is a plethora of public transportation options here; water taxi, bus, dolmus, metro, taxi, etc. The route was to simply follow the Bosphorus, and it was a beautiful day. So I set off and hoofed it until I met up with my destination.
It’s funny that the saying, “It’s not about the destination but rather the journey” proved to be true here. While I did enjoy seeing organic yogurt and other such staples in my life, for a hefty price tag I might add, it was the journey there that delighted my senses. The entire route is flanked by docks, marinas, parks and just open spaces with benches at nearly every hundred meters- sometimes even closer.
Istanbullus take full advantage of the open spaces. I saw many a family just plopped down on the grass under a tree having a picnic. Hoards of men and young boys dot the cornice with fishing poles ready for an entire day of adventure and food and family fun. Various places are swimming holes. Even with the swift currents there are pockets of calm. One thing I did notice was that it was mainly men swimming. I did see one old woman in a 1-piece partaking in the entertainment. In one area of the corniche was a small community of sun worshipers that just set up shop right there on the pavement with beach chairs and laying out. This amused me to no end. I even noticed women sunbathing, albeit most didn’t have baiting suits on. Some surprised me though.
And THAT moon… Did you’ll get to see the Supermoon wherever you were at last night? Trippy. Felt like a great omen for a great journey to a great city to settle into another new beginning!
NOTE: I have photos but don’t know if they will get posted with this post… I might surprise myself though and deal with the fuss :)
now. I am in awe that such a long-term goal has been achieved. Perseverance.
I first arrived to its shores in 2001, right after 9-11. I came to visit L-fezz, who I went to University of Hawaii in Hilo with many moons ago. I’ve often traveled back- especially since living in the region the past 6 years. I even managed to live in Turkey during that time; Gaziantep to be specific. That was a great achievement certainly, moving to Turkey, but it wasn’t Istanbul…
I’ve often wondered throughout the past 6 years about my collected belongings that have been housed in L-fezz’s various apartment basements. My luggage has stories of their own to tell I’m sure. Hanging out with rats and cats and other critters sharing their space. They’ve weathered stormy winters, humid summers and idyllic spring and autumns certainly.
In the courtyard of my new digs in Büyükdere this I contemplate. It’s a splendid late summer morning and the garden kitties surround me. These kitties are a fortunate lot as they have a huge courtyard to laze about. There is no fear of foreign invaders I suppose- only other feral kitties wanting this to be their new address.
Popolo, as I call the sweet black kitty that purrs and follows me around begging for affection, has finally settled to the front of the chaise lounge I have made my headquarters (HQ) here. One other cat I’ve names- Boots/Bootzie. I’ve yet to figure out if male or female…Time will tell. I foresee many coffee-infused mornings at my HQ.
I’ve been told the apartment building is an old schoolhouse for the Armenian Catholic church next door. Observing the brick/stonework of both exteriors it appears to be true. The building feels like an old schoolhouse. Upon entering the top floor I always get the sense that I’m walking into a classroom as I unlock the door. I see the other 9 classrooms on my floor as well… What I can’t figure out is why their ceilings were so large because they are all (small) 2-floor ‘loft’ apartments with the bedroom and bathroom being on the 2nd floor. More of this story to unravel as days pass for sure. I’ll have to improve my Turkish drastically so I can ask the security guards- all of whom are sweet and cheerful and eager to help regardless of linguistic persuasion. Google translate has been helpful as well as providing comic relief.
Istanbul , after all these years, has remained in my mind. I never ventured too far off course, and always knew I would end up here one day.
Oh wow! The church bells just rang and all the dogs are singing an agitated chorus. It is 9:30 am. I guess this will be my natural Sunday wake-up call…
For me, Istanbul was the lover I met that taught me so much about life, but had to walk out on. Is wasn’t the right timing- for either of us… I kept coming back to Istanbul though, wanting more. The feeling was reciprocal. Istanbul kept luring me back with its secrets, its beauty, its debauchery. The feeling that I was straddling different worlds intrigued me. Istanbul was my drug of choice; I experimented with many drugs (Tunisia came close) but always stayed true to my preferred dose. Nope I never had a bad trip in Istanbul…
Living outside of the city center, so far, has been all I thought it would. Of course I’ve racked up a grand total of… seven days so far… I adore the Bosphorus and being right at its shores. I can walk maybe 500 meters and I’m at the water. I love this. I need this. The Belgrade forest is my backyard. So far Büyükdere seems to be the perfect Bosphorus village, for me as my entire point to my Istanbullu experience.
Freedom. I want to touch a bit on freedom. As I’m coming from a two-year stint living/working in the Middle East (Bahrain), I feel free with each step I take WALKING around the city. I have missed ambulating certainly. In the Middle East I was prisoner to my car, for many reasons; weather, no public transportation that was reliable, layout of the island(s) and proximity to places, etc. Mostly the place isn’t set up to walk, for most. I will say that the heat was oppressive. Never have I lived in a place where I hated the outdoors… Perhaps ‘hate’ is too harsh a word, but in retrospect I guess I safely hide behind this theory.
Yesterday is a great example of living out my freedom. Let me explain; I was on a quest to find Macrocenter in Yeniköy. Macro center is, I think, a gourmet-like grocery store that sells a lot of (expensive) organic produce/products. Google Maps told me it was 1.5 hours away from my current location. There is a plethora of public transportation options here; water taxi, bus, dolmus, metro, taxi, etc. The route was to simply follow the Bosphorus, and it was a beautiful day. So I set off and hoofed it until I met up with my destination.
It’s funny that the saying, “It’s not about the destination but rather the journey” proved to be true here. While I did enjoy seeing organic yogurt and other such staples in my life, for a hefty price tag I might add, it was the journey there that delighted my senses. The entire route is flanked by docks, marinas, parks and just open spaces with benches at nearly every hundred meters- sometimes even closer.
Istanbullus take full advantage of the open spaces. I saw many a family just plopped down on the grass under a tree having a picnic. Hoards of men and young boys dot the cornice with fishing poles ready for an entire day of adventure and food and family fun. Various places are swimming holes. Even with the swift currents there are pockets of calm. One thing I did notice was that it was mainly men swimming. I did see one old woman in a 1-piece partaking in the entertainment. In one area of the cornice was a small community of sun worshipers that just set up shop right there on the pavement with beach chairs and laying out. This amused me to no end. I even noticed women sunbathing, albeit most didn’t have baiting suits on. Some surprised me though.
And THAT moon… Did you’ll get to see the Supermoon wherever you were at last night? Trippy. Felt like a great omen for a great journey to a great city to settle into another new beginning!
NOTE: I have photos but don’t know if they will get posted with this post… I might surprise myself though and deal with the fuss :)
Well, church is over as the bells just rang again... Time to head inside and eat some breakfast :)
So I begin my Istanbul journey. I arrived, again, on August 24th. This time is different though. I am an Istanbul’s got my digits…
So I begin my Istanbul journey. I arrived, again, on August 24th. This time is different though. I am an Istanbullu now. I am in awe that such a long-term goal has been achieved. Perseverance.
I first arrived to its shores in 2001, right after 9-11. I came to visit L-fezz, who I went to University of Hawaii in Hilo with many moons ago. I’ve often traveled back- especially since living in the region the past 6 years. I even managed to live in Turkey during that time; Gaziantep to be specific. That was a great achievement certainly, moving to Turkey, but it wasn’t Istanbul…
I’ve often wondered throughout the past 6 years about my collected belongings that have been housed in L-fezz’s various apartment basements. My luggage has stories of their own to tell I’m sure. Hanging out with rats and cats and other critters sharing their space. They’ve weathered stormy winters, humid summers and idyllic spring and autumns certainly.
In the courtyard of my new digs in Büyükdere this I contemplate. It’s a splendid late summer morning and the garden kitties surround me. These kitties are a fortunate lot as they have a huge courtyard to laze about. There is no fear of foreign invaders I suppose- only other feral kitties wanting this to be their new address.
Popolo, as I call the sweet black kitty that purrs and follows me around begging for affection, has finally settled to the front of the chaise lounge I have made my headquarters (HQ) here. One other cat I’ve names- boots/bootzie. I’ve yet to figure out if male or female…Time will tell. I foresee many coffee-infused mornings at my HQ.
I’ve been told the apartment building is an old schoolhouse for the Armenian Catholic church next door. Observing the brick/stonework of both exteriors it appears to be true. The building feels like an old schoolhouse. Upon entering the top floor I always get the sense that I’m walking into a classroom as I unlock the door. I see the other 9 classrooms on my floor as well… What I can’t figure out is why their ceilings were so large because they are all (small) 2-floor ‘loft’ apartments with the bedroom and bathroom being on the 2nd floor. More of this story to unravel as days pass for sure. I’ll have to improve my Turkish drastically so I can ask the security guards- all of whom are sweet and cheerful and eager to help regardless of linguistic persuasion. Google translate has been helpful as well as providing comic relief.
Istanbul , after all these years, has remained in my mind. I never ventured too far off course, and always knew I would end up here one day.
Oh wow! The church bells just rang and all the dogs are singing an agitated chorus. It is 9:30 am. I guess this will be my natural Sunday wake-up call…
For me, Istanbul was the lover I met that taught me so much about life, but had to walk out on. Is wasn’t the right timing- for either of us… I kept coming back to Istanbul though, wanting more. The feeling was reciprocal. Istanbul kept luring me back with its secrets, its beauty, its debauchery. The feeling that I was straddling different worlds intrigued me. Istanbul was my drug of choice; I experimented with many drugs (Tunisia came close) but always stayed true to my preferred dose. Nope I never had a bad trip in Istanbul…
Living outside of the city center, so far, has been all I thought it would. Of course I’ve racked up a grand total of… seven days so far… I adore the Bosphorus and being right at its shores. I can walk maybe 500 meters and I’m at the water. I love this. I need this. The Belgrade forest is my backyard. So far Büyükdere seems to be the perfect Bosphorus village, for me as my entire point to my Istanbullu experience.
Freedom. I want to touch a bit on freedom. As I’m coming from a two-year stint living/working in the Middle East, I feel free with each step I take WALKING around the city. I have missed ambulating certainly. In the Middle East I was prisoner to my car, for many reasons; weather, no public transportation that was reliable, layout of the island(s) and proximity to places, etc. Mostly the place isn’t set up to walk, for most. I will say that the heat was oppressive. Never have I lived in a place where I hated the outdoors… Perhaps ‘hate’ is too harsh a word, but in retrospect I guess I safely hide behind this theory.
Yesterday is a great example of living out my freedom. Let me explain; I was on a quest to find Macrocenter in Yeniköy. Macrocenter is, I think, a gourmet-like grocery store that sells a lot of (expensive) organic produce/products. Google Maps told me it was 1.5 hours away from my current location. There is a plethora of public transportation options here; water taxi, bus, dolmus, metro, taxi, etc. The route was to simply follow the Bosphorus, and it was a beautiful day. So I set off and hoofed it until I met up with my destination.
It’s funny that the saying, “It’s not about the destination but rather the journey” proved to be true here. While I did enjoy seeing organic yogurt and other such staples in my life, for a hefty price tag I might add, it was the journey there that delighted my senses. The entire route is flanked by docks, marinas, parks and just open spaces with benches at nearly every hundred meters- sometimes even closer.
Istanbullus take full advantage of the open spaces. I saw many a family just plopped down on the grass under a tree having a picnic. Hoards of men and young boys dot the cornice with fishing poles ready for an entire day of adventure and food and family fun. Various places are swimming holes. Even with the swift currents there are pockets of calm. One thing I did notice was that it was mainly men swimming. I did see one old woman in a 1-piece partaking in the entertainment. In one area of the corniche was a small community of sun worshipers that just set up shop right there on the pavement with beach chairs and laying out. This amused me to no end. I even noticed women sunbathing, albeit most didn’t have baiting suits on. Some surprised me though.
And THAT moon… Did you’ll get to see the Supermoon wherever you were at last night? Trippy. Felt like a great omen for a great journey to a great city to settle into another new beginning!
NOTE: I have photos but don’t know if they will get posted with this post… I might surprise myself though and deal with the fuss :)
now. I am in awe that such a long-term goal has been achieved. Perseverance.
I first arrived to its shores in 2001, right after 9-11. I came to visit L-fezz, who I went to University of Hawaii in Hilo with many moons ago. I’ve often traveled back- especially since living in the region the past 6 years. I even managed to live in Turkey during that time; Gaziantep to be specific. That was a great achievement certainly, moving to Turkey, but it wasn’t Istanbul…
I’ve often wondered throughout the past 6 years about my collected belongings that have been housed in L-fezz’s various apartment basements. My luggage has stories of their own to tell I’m sure. Hanging out with rats and cats and other critters sharing their space. They’ve weathered stormy winters, humid summers and idyllic spring and autumns certainly.
In the courtyard of my new digs in Büyükdere this I contemplate. It’s a splendid late summer morning and the garden kitties surround me. These kitties are a fortunate lot as they have a huge courtyard to laze about. There is no fear of foreign invaders I suppose- only other feral kitties wanting this to be their new address.
Popolo, as I call the sweet black kitty that purrs and follows me around begging for affection, has finally settled to the front of the chaise lounge I have made my headquarters (HQ) here. One other cat I’ve names- Boots/Bootzie. I’ve yet to figure out if male or female…Time will tell. I foresee many coffee-infused mornings at my HQ.
I’ve been told the apartment building is an old schoolhouse for the Armenian Catholic church next door. Observing the brick/stonework of both exteriors it appears to be true. The building feels like an old schoolhouse. Upon entering the top floor I always get the sense that I’m walking into a classroom as I unlock the door. I see the other 9 classrooms on my floor as well… What I can’t figure out is why their ceilings were so large because they are all (small) 2-floor ‘loft’ apartments with the bedroom and bathroom being on the 2nd floor. More of this story to unravel as days pass for sure. I’ll have to improve my Turkish drastically so I can ask the security guards- all of whom are sweet and cheerful and eager to help regardless of linguistic persuasion. Google translate has been helpful as well as providing comic relief.
Istanbul , after all these years, has remained in my mind. I never ventured too far off course, and always knew I would end up here one day.
Oh wow! The church bells just rang and all the dogs are singing an agitated chorus. It is 9:30 am. I guess this will be my natural Sunday wake-up call…
For me, Istanbul was the lover I met that taught me so much about life, but had to walk out on. Is wasn’t the right timing- for either of us… I kept coming back to Istanbul though, wanting more. The feeling was reciprocal. Istanbul kept luring me back with its secrets, its beauty, its debauchery. The feeling that I was straddling different worlds intrigued me. Istanbul was my drug of choice; I experimented with many drugs (Tunisia came close) but always stayed true to my preferred dose. Nope I never had a bad trip in Istanbul…
Living outside of the city center, so far, has been all I thought it would. Of course I’ve racked up a grand total of… seven days so far… I adore the Bosphorus and being right at its shores. I can walk maybe 500 meters and I’m at the water. I love this. I need this. The Belgrade forest is my backyard. So far Büyükdere seems to be the perfect Bosphorus village, for me as my entire point to my Istanbullu experience.
Freedom. I want to touch a bit on freedom. As I’m coming from a two-year stint living/working in the Middle East (Bahrain), I feel free with each step I take WALKING around the city. I have missed ambulating certainly. In the Middle East I was prisoner to my car, for many reasons; weather, no public transportation that was reliable, layout of the island(s) and proximity to places, etc. Mostly the place isn’t set up to walk, for most. I will say that the heat was oppressive. Never have I lived in a place where I hated the outdoors… Perhaps ‘hate’ is too harsh a word, but in retrospect I guess I safely hide behind this theory.
Yesterday is a great example of living out my freedom. Let me explain; I was on a quest to find Macrocenter in Yeniköy. Macro center is, I think, a gourmet-like grocery store that sells a lot of (expensive) organic produce/products. Google Maps told me it was 1.5 hours away from my current location. There is a plethora of public transportation options here; water taxi, bus, dolmus, metro, taxi, etc. The route was to simply follow the Bosphorus, and it was a beautiful day. So I set off and hoofed it until I met up with my destination.
It’s funny that the saying, “It’s not about the destination but rather the journey” proved to be true here. While I did enjoy seeing organic yogurt and other such staples in my life, for a hefty price tag I might add, it was the journey there that delighted my senses. The entire route is flanked by docks, marinas, parks and just open spaces with benches at nearly every hundred meters- sometimes even closer.
Istanbullus take full advantage of the open spaces. I saw many a family just plopped down on the grass under a tree having a picnic. Hoards of men and young boys dot the cornice with fishing poles ready for an entire day of adventure and food and family fun. Various places are swimming holes. Even with the swift currents there are pockets of calm. One thing I did notice was that it was mainly men swimming. I did see one old woman in a 1-piece partaking in the entertainment. In one area of the cornice was a small community of sun worshipers that just set up shop right there on the pavement with beach chairs and laying out. This amused me to no end. I even noticed women sunbathing, albeit most didn’t have baiting suits on. Some surprised me though.
And THAT moon… Did you’ll get to see the Supermoon wherever you were at last night? Trippy. Felt like a great omen for a great journey to a great city to settle into another new beginning!
NOTE: I have photos but don’t know if they will get posted with this post… I might surprise myself though and deal with the fuss :)
Well, church is over as the bells just rang again... Time to head inside and eat some breakfast :)
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