Just go with it

I was going to the States enrolled in “Work & Travel” only to visit McQueen’s “Savage beauty” exhibition at The Met. My first stop was Istanbul where I had a connecting flight that I missed under impression of the view. I overlooked my transit without hearing my name called out. After I realized I started running like Dicaprio in “Catch me if you can” to the gate where the plane was already taking off. Can’t explain the feeling that overwhelmed my body at that sight, so I did what had to be done and asked for help. Luckily, I was given a new ticket for free but I had to wait 24 hours until next flight. There was a battle inside me of hesitations and decisions when two of the employees approached me to ask if I need something because I seemed sad and lost. Part of me wanted to cry for help and the other part calmly said “I wanna go to the city but I’m afraid, I don’t know what to do, I feel trapped here”. They told me their shift is over and invited me to join them to the city. I know my friends would sprint immediately but I accepted the challenge. They did exactly what I would do if I see a stranger in my country looking the way I did.
We left the airport together and they showed me the side of Istanbul I never imagined that changed my perspective of life ever since. On the way I was astonished by the colorfulness all around me, the metro and trams, the architecture and most of all, people with sparkling eyes from the enlightened city. Hearing strangers enjoying simple conversations added to the warm feeling in a new country. They helped me find a small affordable hotel near Hagia Sophia and The Blue Musk. Seeing these monumental temples took me back to my history of art class in awe, like time lapse happening in front of me, astonishing but real. Walking on the small interwoven streets and the smell of Turkish couisine mixed up with a lot of laughter and music put me in a dreamy mode again. There I was melting into this spirit like I’ve never been lost at all, tasting the perfect kebab and pita bread. I made new friends and fell in love with a city that breathes with the people.
Next morning the sunrise over Bosphorus without exception left a mental photo in my memory forever. Having breakfast on the street watching the city waking up to it’s dynamical every day routine, hearing nearby stores opening and people running to work while I take my time for one last look of what I will be missing when I dive into my big adventure I started in first place.