A Daniel in Istanbul
TURKEY | Thursday, 15 May 2014 | Views [202] | Scholarship Entry
“I think that we all must know a Daniel. Someone who aches to fill all of the deep spaces in their heart with good vibes, train tickets, and filthy hostel sheets. They live between points on the map, pocket pennies from odd jobs – teaching English in China, maybe, or shoveling dirt on a farm in Argentina – until they’ve hidden away enough to hop to another point, and another. ” Kristen Hedges
If you are a passionate globe trotter like me, you have probably cracked a wide smile while reading this. That was exactly my first experience at World House Hostel in Istanbul, where I have met curious backpackers from the most unlikely places of the globe. In each one of them there was a “Daniel”, as contrasting, ancient and soulful as Istanbul itself.
Each day, I would sit for breakfast by the window, watching travelers, shop keepers and cigarette smokers all drift in a natural fashion, protesters too. I was once told by a random stranger to “Look at life in the face”.
I woke up to the soul-piercing call of Adhan. I was baffled by the exuberant sunrise that welcomed me into the mystique of an ordinary walk by the Bosphorus. I crossed the bridge to get a more picturesque grasp of the view; the buoyant image of the mosque, subtle charm of scattered ottoman buildings, and silvery seagulls hovering restlessly over the water.
It’s a rainy Sunday afternoon in Istanbul. I run through the meandering lanes of the Spice Bazaar.The smell, the soft tapping of the rain and humming sounds inside the bazaar as people halt their activities; all, made it a perfect Sunday afternoon.
After hours of walking in the bazaar, the bus took me through the sweeping water sceneries of Bebek neighborhood, only to find myself at a local fairy station in Karakoy. The Asian side was more than just a solace, whenever I wanted to escape the city’s frenetic pace. Alarmed by the sound of the engine, I followed the crowd of passengers as they rushed off the shore to the ferry.
The boat embarked, slowly leaving the shore and touristy area behind. You observe Galata Tower as it shrinks little by little until getting obscured by the fog. The fresh air awakens you senses and you get a little dreamy along the way.
I could take a ferry everyday. Literally.The engine screams. The anchor kicks the bottom.. The humming of passengers takes over again, signaling the end of your dreamy voyage. Buildings start to vaguely appear. You are officially back to the modern world.
Tags: 2014 Travel Writing Scholarship - Euro Roadtrip
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