'Istanbul not Constantinople' that is the song that was continually playing my head as we landed in Turkey. Perhaps it's because I was fresh from Morocco but I was prepared to wander the streets and constantly be hasseled from the shop owners. Surprisingly, they did try to talk to us but only in a friendly manner. We even had apple tea (yummy) with carpet shops and they didn't even try to sell us a carpet! That my friends is a small miracle. It must be something about the city of Istanbul that brings out the friendliness in people because not only were Turkish people trying to converse with us but there were others as well. In the first day I felt I knew the entire city including the tourists! If for some reason you visit Istanbul and feel that you are unable to make friends then I do have one suggestion for you. Simply walk, at a quick pace, into a sliding glass door and you will have plenty of people who will know you by the end of the night. That's what I did and made great friends with the locals at our hostel and the Fez Bus staff!! However, you have to be certain that when you pull yourself free from the glass you have left a proper impession of your nose and lips or else it's not worthwhile.
Suggestion: If you part your lips a little it makes for a better impression than if they're pursed together.
*Chris, Mehmet, & Sanchez I would like you to know that I was shy and pulled that move on purpose ;) I was glad to see you left my 'face' on the glass for a few days as a kind rememberance.
