Istanbul: a big-hearted stubby town

You won't find any skyscrapers here. For a city of 12+ million, it's sprawling and old, but doesn't feel it. The short buildings cosy you in like an old friend, welcoming a wander down any winding lane. And if you're lost, fear not, Turks will lead you home by direction and often by walking you partway to your destination.

We arrived on a Friday night, late into the airport. For $20, received our Turkish Visa on arrival and proceeded without incidence into the country, where we were picked up by our hostel ride. Arriving late at night into a city is welcoming- you wake up in her arms and see her for the first time. Feeling the warmth of the city from the sundeck where breakfast was served, I was surprised at how modern it looked. I am always surprised how cities all look the same, and yet different.

Tooling down streets and through lanes, we stopped for countless coffees, crossing bridges, climbing towers and resting in mosques. Mostly all without maps, just following our senses and lolling when necessary. The perfect way to experience this city. I watched the people. With twinkles and warmth in their eyes, they welcomed us into their land. Jovial almost in their encounters, it's hard to imagine saying something bad about these folks.

After three days in her warmth, we didn't take in all the sights, but I think we got the essence down.

Istanbul, a place of quiet and gentle beauty, old and new, surprisingly peaceful and wonderful food. It's a place to visit again, and again.

Istanbul Grand Photo Finale

I woke up the last morning of the trip, and decided I should maybe have orange curtains too.

Spice Bazaar. I actually stood on the side here and wrote in my journal, kind of as an experiment to see if anyone would bother me. They didn't. Amazing.

My favorite treat. It's roasted pistachios with apricot date filling. Sweets of the gods.

Mmm, instant sugar high.

The only not-nice person in Istanbul. We bought coffee from him. Turkish-style. I haven't tried mine yet, but it's in my purse, ready for a sniff anytime. All the locals were here getting their daily grind.

Another example of a Turk resting.

Spice Bazaar- turkish delight.

Alley way lunch. Sure as heck doesn't look alleyway, does it?

Notice the lack of females. Most women in Turkey spend their lives in the home. I don't think I'd be too good at being a Turk, unless I had a sex change. Probably not gonna happen.

I was sitting right by these sponges, so I couldn't not include them.

Waiting for the airport shuttle, before we realised our watch was an hour slow.

But we still caught the flight...

I love Turkey. (Still veg though.)

Look at these lazy Turks! I'd have a mind to do the same thing every day. If I could let myself.

Ok, so E insisted on documenting my "pajamas." Yes. That's correct. I always acclimate to "freezing my ass off" regardless of the temperature. I tucked my nightie into my jeans, so was all proper like.

Independence and being "on the way."

Thanks to years in Portland, I see rain as romantic and beautiful and cleansing. It also bring out the colors in everything.

Istanbul: Day 1

I am so driven by color-- I know these are tastier than usual - being so beautiful. This was Breakfast Dessert.

On the Bosphorous.

The pretty flowers. PLASTIC! I'm thinking I might be part Turkish. And when I grow up rather than killing things, I'll just stick plastic plants everywhere. No one will know for better. If anyone gives me crap, I'll just tell them I'm saving the earth by saving water. Or mention my guilt at serial plant killing, which is a talent of mine.

Second coffee of the day (but I think our hostel served us instant so that doesn't count.). First Turkish Coffee of the trip.

Third coffee. First espresso. Best smelling coffee in a long ass time.

I think this is Mosque Sofia.

I want to make this tree and put it in my room. Or my living room. Or my kitchen. Or the bathroom.

I used to have a problem with puzzles. But after therapy, ok never mind-- I'll never be cured.

Look at those two guys on the left. I had to sneak-take this picture... at the Grand Bazaar.

More dialogue to follow...

As usual, this trip is verification that I have a severe incurable travel addiction.