I'm in Istanbul! (Not Constantinople.)

Trip Start Apr 16, 2006
1
13
39
Trip End Jun 07, 2006


Loading Map
Map your own trip!
Map Options
Show trip route
Hide lines
shadow

Flag of Turkey  ,
Tuesday, May 2, 2006

It is SO strange to be in Istanbul. The difference between Istanbul and Cairo is IMMENSE. It's like the difference between sitting in a park and in the middle of an asteroid storm. It's so clean and calm here. The streets are manicured an the parks are full of tulips. The shops are cute, the streets are cobblestones, it's all quite lovely so far. And might I add... the people actually drive BETWEEN THE LINES, and AT SPEED LIMITS. There's so little chaos, I'm a little culture shocked. I kind of miss the dirt and insanity of Egypt to be honest.

I also should add... I'm VERY COLD. It's like San Francisco weather here. I'm wearing three layers. After being in the Sahara Desert, it's a bit of a shock.

One thing I have noticed is that the salesmen here are MUCH more persistent than in Cairo. I have already had to learn how to say "No thank you" in Turkish. Honestly, within the first minutes of walking the streets I had no fewer than 12 different suited men try walking alongside me to convince me to go into their "family's shop." The first two were standing in front of the Blue Mosque and pointed out the entrance for me.. 01 Odd things about flying Egypt Air
01 Odd things about flying Egypt Air
 . even though only an idiot could miss the entrance. Then they said, "Would you like me to take you to the entrance?" I said no. Then they would say, "Can I walk with you and talk? Would you like to see my shop?" I said no. After a while, every time a man walked up to me and started talking, I would say, "Do you have a family shop?!?" Shocked that I knew, they would excitedly say, "YES!!! Do you want to come and see it!?" and then I'd look directly at them and say "No, thank you" in turkish with a smile and go back to walking. For once they didn't follow me after that.

I've decided that after being whisked around for two weeks I really need to just start relaxing now, so I won't be updating as much. I slept through yesterday and have a full day tour set up for tomorrow. But in the meantime, I'm going to be spending most of my time reading, eating, and sleeping. I need it.

Hope everything is good with all of you!

Lynn

P.S. - By the way, my patented World Travel Diet Plan has already started to take effect. I don't know if I've lost weight really, but I feel like I have. My face is definitely thinner & I'm more toned than I was 2 weeks ago. If I keep up this pace I'm hoping that by June 7th I'll be totally hot!!! Pilates shimilates! ;D
Slideshow Print this entry Istanbul hotels

Comments

markzing
markzing on May 2, 2006 at 12:55PM

Istanbul, Turkey!
I can't fully express how excited I am to hear about your new travels in Istanbul. Your TravelPod entries and photos of Paris and Egypt were delightful and insightful. I love the personal comments and observations that accompany each entry. I haven't traveled outside the North American continent since 2001 and I absolutely revel in traveling these places (even vicariously) with you. Be well and stay safe, sweetie!

lynnster
lynnster on May 2, 2006 at 07:12PM

Re: Istanbul, Turkey!
Thanks Mark, I'm glad you're enjoying it! :)

roxxxy
roxxxy on May 3, 2006 at 02:22AM

Where in the world is Lynn Garrett ?
Hi Lynn,

I go to work, fight traffic all the way home in the evening, then turn on the computer, and go on vacation with you. It's great. Thank you for sharing your trip. It's very interesting. My parents in Solana Beach have been following along with you too!

Rox

Add Comment