The Charm of Istanbul

My first day there I spent alone since my friend was arriving the following day. When I landed at the airport I got a taxi out front and definitely overpaid; but I didn’t care as much then since it was in the beginning of my trip. The taxi driver was so sweet and asked me all sorts of questions about my life. I inquired about his as well and he shared with me that he was born and raised in Istanbul and knows the place like the back of his hand. He avoided the toll bridge since he knew I was trying to save money, and we took the scenic route instead. As we drove into the city he gave me some fascinating historical facts that I have since forgotten–whoops.

I was a bit early for check in at my hostel so the owner gave me a cup of traditional Turkish tea on the house as I waited.

After I got settled in to my room, I went for a walk around the city. I instantly fell in love with the cobblestone streets, unique boutiques, and vibrant artwork. Each restaurant looked so inviting with colorful cushions, twinkly lights, and the smell of fruity shisha (aka hookah for us Americans).

Talent!

 

By accident I found myself in the city center, staring right at the infamous Hagia Sophia. Across from this massive piece of history is the Blue Mosque, equally as beautiful.

After all this walking I worked up an appetite so I went to find some local delicacies. I discovered a tucked away alley with tons of restaurants where employees stand outside and try to drag you in. This is a huge pet peeve of mine; I hate being told what to do and where to go. So I ignored all these pushy men and found a place where the staff were not shouting at me. I looked at the menu, saw decent prices, and asked to take a seat.

I face-timed my mom to let her know how my visit was going when my waiter came table side and started a little show. I didn’t realize the veggie clay pot turned into a fun performance using a mini hammer to hit the pot. I wanted to pay attention to my waiter so I turned my phone around and showed my mom what was happening. The waiter loved this, took my phone, and gave me the hammer-like instrument so I could hit the clay pot while my mom watched. I couldn’t stop laughing as other restaurants nearby could hear and started to watch too. The waiter spoke to my mom and told her that “your daughter is in good hands and Istanbul already loves her”. 

 After my meal my waiter gave me free dessert and tea and even sat down with me to have a lovely chat. He asked me all sorts of questions about my life and I did the same. I’m sensing a theme here…

After a much needed nap and shower, I went out again to see the fountain light show and get some dinner. 

I paid for my dinner but received free tea, shisha, flowers, and a crown. Almost every place I went the staff loved to speak with me about where I’m from and why I chose to see Istanbul. They all seemed so genuinely happy that I was here to explore their home country.

                                                               The aforementioned free gifts 🙂

 

On my walk back to the hostel I saw three local elderly men drinking and talking at a table. They invited me to sit down with them but I politely declined. After some convincing that they were good guys and just wanted to chat, I joined them. They gave me free vodka and mixer and we all had a very innocent discussion about our lives and current events. All these free offerings from strangers and it was only my first day!

 

The next few days my friend and I received entirely free meals, appetizers, Turkish delights, tea, shisha, and cocktails. Everyone was just so willing to give, even if we tried to decline and pay; our wallets very much enjoyed being here.

I also went into a shop selling fake Gucci belts, which of course the owner claimed were real. They looked pretty good so I said I would get one but they didn’t have my size. Rather than apologize and send me on my way, the owner took me upstairs and fashioned a new belt for me that fit perfectly; he gave me a huge deal on it too. Another employee came upstairs and seemed shocked to see me. She told me that nobody is ever allowed upstairs and that the owner must really like me if he is making me a new belt. After I paid, the owner told me he owned a restaurant somewhere else in the city and that I should go and tell the staff I know him. So of course I went and got all the yums at a discount.