Brits and Pommes - lethal!
Trip Start
Nov 13, 2006
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63
80
Trip End
Oct 21, 2008
Istanbul,
Turkey
Monday, May 12, 2008
Although the sky was blue, the sun was pale compared with the insensity I had grown used to in Israel. It really felt like I was back in Europe (even though its not in he EU), not just becase of the weather but also the architecture, the sense of history, the wealth, the sophistication, and of course the traffic. Forget any images or preconceptions from the Midnight Express; Istanbul is a modern, vibrant, and apparently tolerant city.
Bosphorus Bridge
On the cobbled streets in front of the pier was a row of stands selling Kumpir (Turkish style baked potatoes) and we decided to get some. My parents speak very proper English and most Turks seemed to speak none. We were heading for disaster! As our vendor proceeded to dollop on an array of toppings my Mum desperately wanted to intervene but couldnt quite articulate herself in a way this guy would understand. After the cheese, sweetcorn, and olives, came potato salad, couscous, and the nail in the coffin - a lethal mix of ketchup AND mayonnaise! At least we were getting the real Turkish deal.
Now that I've lived away from England for a while, I find it funny to see British behaviour abroad. British people can be so - for lack of a better word - British. Having been in israel where 'thankyou' and 'excuse me' are words saved for special ceremonies, I couldn't believe the number of times my parents thanked roomservice staff for bringing breakfast. Did each extra thankyou convey hidden depths of gratitude? Well it was a delicious breakfast.
