And it's still only about 8:30pm here.
I'm taking refuge in a pub. And I think one floor up is a dance club, but that will have to wait. I order with a point and here we are at Elma pub.
Here's the thing, once I am walking in Beşiktaş, i feel like i can't stop. There is just a movement of people here that makes me feel pressured to keep moving. I might want chocolate or coffee or a beer but the reality of the situation is I'm walking and I just can't stop.
There are almost too many options, it can be overwhelming, so I just keep walking. Occasionally I find a pole to prop myself on and lean back and watch everyone but that seems to garner some sus looks and only builds the pressure to pursue my endless walk.
Ah but enough about the current moment, let's talk about the beautiful moments that I had leading up to this.
This morning after wrestling with the fact that I was indeed not going to sleep, I decided to head out on my own. “Why the hell not?” I said to myself.
My host mentioned it might be a good day for Galata tower, walk to the water and take a cab.
Well I decided to just walk the whole bout. About halfway into my walk I crossed the main road that runs parallel with the waterfront to checkout a park. And what I happened upon was a little waterfront restaurant, where I ordered a cappuccino (I will order a cappuccino, y'all can drink tea, if there's a cappuccino to be had, I'll be having it) and a Turkish breakfast.
First of all, the view. It was mesmerizing just as many people before me have said. I stared off into the Bosphorus while soaking up the shade and wind because my walk there was quite steamy.
During the wait for breakfast, a lovely Turkish woman came along and sat at the table in front of me. Before seating herself she saw how much I was taking it in and moved her table so she didn't obstruct my view. This small gesture made me tear up, what a lovely woman. Anyways I'm in love with her now and we're running away together.
And then my breakfast arrived:
I am certain this is not what all Turkish breakfasts look like, but it is what mine looked like. Listen up folks, we've got cheeses, an egg, jam & honey, olives & fries, and bread of course. I navigated myself around this meal and reluctantly kept a walkin'.
I had places to go, towers to be upon.
Mosques are beautiful, definitely more beautiful than a the first Baptist I played around in as a kid, I digress.
And up and up I went. For those of you who aren't aware (as I was not until yesterday) Istanbul got them hills.
And then, the cutest thing happened. I saw the tower 🥹
What a beauty. I just like old things, what can I say. This blog is not going to be one of education btw, it is one for you to lap in the joys of my day. Wikipedia is a great resource if you are looking for education.
Anyhow, the blog goes on and I am constantly smoked out by the smoking cats of Istanbul.
And of course I had to go up into the tower!
I asked some Brits to take a photo of me and they obliged. Notice the outfit, this is pre-emergency purchase of a new, much cooler outfit.
What a long blog and I'm not even at the end, hold on folks.
After de-galating through some risque stairs
And after getting a few portal shots in:
I was headed off to lunch! One cannot survive on Turkish breakfast alone! I hit up a well-known traveler that had also inspired me to visit Istanbul in the first place for a lunch recc. And the recc did not disappoint, Galata Kitchen.
After my walk of ages, I needed something light. The food in the foreground is an artichoke topped with chopped fruit, it was tangy and interesting. However the star of the meal was the sour cherry dolmas, hands down the best I've had. Amazing, so yum. The bean salads were also light and refreshing. I ate slow as to enjoy the air conditioner, chased it back with a mineral water because I'm bougie.
After my very satisfying meal, I was decided it was time to trek back. Little did I know that my trek back would involve İstiklal street and Taksim square, and police in riot gear! I texted my host to confirm the normality of the riot gear police situation, confirmed, business as usual. It's on this street that I was blessed with an outfit that felt like wearing a napkin. I believe I'll be wearing this for the rest of the trip so get used to it.
This blog feels like it's going to go on forever, what a day I've had.
I saw the love of my life in a beautiful suit but he just kept on walking.
I don't know how they made this statue of me without ever meeting me but I guess good news travels fast.
And we're not even done yet.
On my way home I decided to go on the route that went through a park. Once near that park I stumbled upon a sky tram ish thing(a sky ride if you will) that crossed the park.
I did not have the right card or change to pay at the end but they found a way to get me change and not arrest me 🙏 bless.
And my adventure was not over, I stopped in a closet plant shop for a thank you gift for my host. If you let me stay with you, you're getting a plant.
And then I stumbled into the market getting a pound of cherries for about a dollar. How fantastic.
This blog post took me two beers and a mineral water to write.
I headed back to home base but not before grabbing a gelato, after all, why not?
And as I made my way back I happened upon the cutest swing dance party in the park.
What a full and beautiful day.
Iyi geceler from İstanbul!