Istanbul

Ahhh Istanbul! Although it was very difficult to leave Landshut, it was time to head to Turkey. It had been a decade since my last time there and it truly was like coming home. After a very mundane flight, we began our decent into cloudy Istanbul. The landing was one of the scariest of my life, but after a few deep breaths, I was on my way. I was greeted in the airport by Swine Flu hysteria. The virus had finally made its way to Turkey and the media had blown it WAY out of proportion. Growing up in Turkey I was use to seeing the TNP (Turkish National Police) carrying machine guns, so that didn't phase me. However, seeing them and every airport employee donning N-95 respirators and latex gloves was a little unnerving. I figure after all the countries I have gone through and all the crowded hostels I have stayed at, luck has been on my side. So Inshallah my luck with continue! After taking an hour bus ride from the airport to Taksim Square, I was greeted by Seyit, my buddy Ozkan's brother. After a short car ride, I arrived in Bebek (which means “Baby” in Turkish) which is Istanbul's nicest neighborhood. My friend Ozkan's apartment is right on the Bosporus and a very short walk to a really neat, cute, but expensive area. When I say expensive, a bottle of beer in a bar is 12-18 YTL, which is roughtly 6-9 Euros.....not that I drink that much anyway :) When Ozkan got off work, we sat in his living room, gazed at the Bosphorus, sipped Remy Martin, and got caught up on the last ten years. We then went out for some beers and discussed business ideas, our dreams and aspirations, and various other things.

The following morning was my birthday and unfortunately Ozkan had to work during the day but he left me a key and I set off on a long walk along the Bosphorus. My birthday also happens to be the birthday of the Turkish Republic so the whole town was in full celebration mode. Flags lined the streets and most business were closed. I walked from Bebek, through Kurucesme, through Ortakly, through Besiktas, to Tophane.....roughly 8 kilometers. I was overwhelmed by olfactory induced memories and familiar sounds and sights. It was so nice to hear Turkish, see the street vendors, smell the cooking, and truly be back! I found a nice little Kebab restaurant on the water and sat down by myself for my birthday lunch. I had all my favorites.....Adana Kebab with Pilaf, grilled eggplant, Turkish tea, and an Elma Nargile (apple hookah water pipe). As I finished my meal, and began enjoying my Nargile, the huge ancient Mosque of Tophane began the call to prayer and in that instant I was so incredibly happy and glad I had made it back here. I am talking goosebumps! That night Ozkan took me and his father out to a nice dinner on the sea where I enjoyed all the best fresh sea food and Raki I could stand!

Another one of my friends from Izmir flew in the next day from Kyrgyzstan, and we all met up for lunch. It was so great to catch up with old friends, talk about our days on the wrestling team, and reminisce. We were all going to catch a Besiktas match (soccer) that night but the weather got progressively worse throughout the day so we just decided to meet up later for drinks. After another delicious dinner I ended up being the fifth wheel on a night out on the town. Ozkan and his pseudo girlfriend and Andew and his girlfriend met me in Taksim square and we checked out a few local hotspots, but the consistent downpour made the night rather difficult. Tomorrow I head to Izmir via ferry and car....I am so excited I doubt I will be able to sleep tonight.