A more coherent view of Istanbul

Just returned from my vacation and still a little zonked out from the flight. Guess I'm not cut out to be a pilot ( unlike our Wingedman Will ) since I have this horribly painful recurrent middle ear problem, usually made much worse by my inexplicable predilection for developing colds in foreign lands. Think ringing - yet oddly numbing - sensations that take a few hours to disappear. Obviously I'm not the ideal air traveller but still I persist in pushing myself every few months towards the next exotic locale.

What can I say about Istanbul? I loved it. Succinctly put of course - in comparison to my earlier post that sounded quite incoherent - probably due to the mind-boggling Turkish keyboard ( configured with two Is and a smorgasboard of unknown letters ) and perhaps the raki I'd consumed generously. Not easy saying no to those terribly persistent... sexy, smouldering dark-eyed Turkish men.

More on dark-eyed Turks later :)

Surprisingly easy to get around the city - even though there is a minor communication setback since a significant number of the locals don't speak English, unfortunately for me. Still it was easy enough navigating with the help of a good map and a smile. Gonna compile my list of things to do as a stereotypical wacky tourist in Istanbul - which I'm sure my eminently hospitable friends at Istanbul can verify or refute :)

1. Stare in awe at the monuments at Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace and the amazing Iznik tiles at the Blue Mosque...
And of course buy the Iznik inspired ceramics later - like I did :)

2. Tour the Grand Bazaar and go hog-crazy over bargaining...
Gotta say I enjoyed myself there - especially since I went there practically every day :) Bought carpets, ceramics, paintings, bronzework, leather... I'm sure I got slashed a few times by the wily traders but heck, I enjoyed myself! The famed carpet merchants of the Grand Bazaar stand patiently by the their wares just waiting to descend upon unsuspecting tourists with their sweet apple tea - and their even sweeter smiles - and come on, how could you possibly go along and not come back with at least one rug!

And the leather... jackets so soft you could melt in them - and unfortunately too damned hot for my country.

3. Venture into the Spice Bazaar for a taste of Turkish Delight...
It gets to you. Really. The more you taste it, the more you'll start craving Turkish Delight - or lokum as they call it. Alongside the sweet confections... there's a plethora of spices, dried fruits, nuts and seeds piled up - filling the area with the fragrance of the exotic East.

4. Be awakened by the sound of a thousand muezzins in the early morning...
It might not be the morning call we're all used to but I have to admit, I enjoyed waking up to it during my vacation since time was on my hands. Wouldn't say the same back home though :)

5. Have a sip of Turkish Coffee...
Well, certainly not my cup of tea but when one is in Istanbul... and together with that you can try other specialties such as börek ( kinda thin rolled pastry ) and baklavas.

6. See the marvellously fascinating whirling dervishes...
And fall in love with the enthralling music of the Order of Sufism. Believe me, I bought a few CDs and it's as far as the usual jazz I listen to as it can get.

7. Get steamed at the Turkish baths!
Seriously! Everyone should have a go at this. Although I unfortunately took off my glasses and almost walked into someone's lap ( all that steam, you see! ), I totally recommend this unique experience.

8. Walk the streets of Istiklal Caddesi in Beyoglu...
And dance with a dark-eyed stranger. Without sounding too starry-eyed, what can I say? Turkish boys are amazingly hot - and I can assure you I'm not under the influence right now. Think smouldering dark eyes, glossy black curls, spectacular golden-olive tan... all wrapped up in a Middle Eastern delight. Oddly enough, Turkish wolfs travel in large packs... all guys, no girls ( a good number suitably cloistered at home, I assume ). Even on the streets, they are seen hand in hand.

Add that number of Turkish men walking about to the number of young Turkish policemen patrolling the streets ( a sinfully large amount in every corner! )... and it's literally raining men in Istanbul :) Hell, with all the good things I just said about the place, they should have let me take a cute Turk home!