Hey, guys! It's been a while! Well, those of you who are friends with me on Facebook may know that I spent the last week in Istanbul. & although this blog is dedicated to my adventures here in Luxembourg, I'll make an exception here because I have a few fun stories (and it's my blog..I suppose I don't really need permission.)
So I left on Sunday the 13th to spend my Easter holiday in Istanbul. I was picked up at my apartment at 4 am by a Night Rider bus, taken to the airport, and then I proceeded to fall asleep waiting for my plane. I then flew to Munich, and a few hours later I was taking off for Istanbul.
If I thought Luxembourg was different from home, this place was a totally different world. For starters, Istanbul is about the size of 5 cities jammed together, there are people everywhere! It was absolutely packed, and to say I stood out in the crowd was an understatement. I was lucky enough to have a best friend who is Turkish, and she met me at the crowded airport. She then proceeded to laugh as everyone turned to stare at the red head on the public transport.
That alone is one aspect that is so different from back home. In the U.S. the guys at least try to hide that they are starring at you. Here, nope they stare freely until you make it known that they need to leave you alone. Needless to say, I got a lot of attention where ever I went, which gave my Turkish friend multiple heart attacks. "You're bringing too much attention to yourself!" seemed to become her catch phrase of the week. I just looked so foreign, and it doesn't exactly help that I have a booming laugh. But, when you don't speak the language, it makes the comments people make really easy to ignore, so at least I had that going for me.
Don't let that scare you too much, the city was absolutely stunning! I got to see so many beautiful places, walked along the shoreline, toured mosques (and heard the calls the prayer, so cool), saw dolphins, got stuffed with delicious food, met new people, and spent time with 2 of my closest friends. I also went to a Galatasaray football (soccer) match. The game was only open for women and children due to a penalty, and it was a free game...so to say it was insanity would be an understatement. My group of friends formed a chain by linking hands, and ran through the subways, pushed through mobs of people, and after what felt like forever of being mashed and pushed into people, we finally got in. The team ended up losing, but it was one of the craziest experiences ever that I hope I'll never forget.
Going back to the food, I was absolutely spoiled by my Turkish second mom, she's an excellent cook and was always filling up plates with food. If I didn't gain 5 lbs this week, I'll be absolutely amazed. In general, I had an amazing trip and I would love to go back as soon as possible to visit. I am now back at my apartment in Luxembourg, and I feel like I could sleep for days!...But it was the best vacation I've ever taken.
To anyone thinking about going to Istanbul: I had a fantastic trip, but I will admit that it's not the safest place to wander around alone. I was lucky enough to know a local, so I was safe. But if you are thinking about going to Istanbul, go in groups. I'm all about being a strong, independent woman, but take my word when I say having a guy with you, or at least someone who knows the area, will really help. I loved the city, but we still have to be safe!
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