Where Asia meets Europe

Trip Start Jun 21, 2008
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Trip End Jul 24, 2008


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Flag of Turkey  ,
Monday, July 21, 2008

Istanbul is a very interesting city, I'm starting to like it.  I met a gal from Seattle at the hostel, we spent the day exploring Topkapi Palace and the underground cistern, both of which were amazing.  The night before I wandered into the Blue Mosque and the Grand Bazaare.. the latter which I only lasted 45 minutes in. It is a hellacious labyrinth of waterpipes, Turkish rugs and textiles.  The hagglars would approach you and say "excuse me, I have just one question for you." At this point I said to him, "I have one question for you... where is the exit??!" Someone started laughing at me.  He smiled and told me how to get out, after 2 lefts and 1 right I was free thank god.  I was so frazzled that I didn't even buy anything! I don't do well under pressure I guess.

I met a sweet Turkish man who owns a carpet shop.  We chatted for a couple hours, he made me a purse Underground cistern
Underground cistern
 . I got to pick the fabric and the next day, magic!  The Turks are friendly people, but sometimes it can be too much and that's all I'll say on that.

That night Elise and I met up with Emma from Vancouver, the 3 of us decided a night on the town was in order. We broke out the makeup and got all girly and glammy (well, as much as we could being backpackers..) and headed to the Galata Bridge for some fine dining. The food was great. I tried raki, a Turkish anise flavored alcohol (50%). Gross stuff! The evening was beautiful and it was a great time chillin with some gals (for once).

Today is my last day of the trip... I decided to take a boat cruise on the Bosphorus Strait.  It was a calming experience, I just spaced out and listen to some Flaming Lips that Pierre gave me.  I reflected a bit, trying to figure out what to do next.

If I don't make any harsh moves, the next 2-3 days are going to be absolute hell.  Istanbul to Munich, Munich to Heathrow, Heathrow to JFK, spending the night in the airport, next morning JFK to Minnesota, Minnesota to Seattle.  I am not looking forward to returning home, on one level I feel that it may be making mistake coming back so soon, but I also feel that I may be postponing the inevitable.  But honestly, I couldn't tell you what is more appealing to me than traveling.
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