SHARING THE STREETS OF ISTANBUL

I have my small laptop rigged so it's sitting inside a drawer (kinda), I have a small black stool under the desk to put my feet up on, and I'm leaning back in this very nice office chair (even for U.S. Standards)

Why I'm telling you these details is the set up was not intended for a short person like me. The apartment I'm renting belongs to a large, tall young man. I feel a little dwarfed sitting at his desk while he's in Spain. He's there learning Spanish and working as a Chef. He was a chef here in Istanbul restaurant called the 360.

http://www.360istanbul.com/intro.html in case you want to check it out.

Thank you all who have let me know they have connected to my blog. It feels pretty good to know you would want to listen to me even though I'm so far away. And anyone who doesn't know me, I hope you can see me in my writing. (it's pretty hard to keep “me” out of the words)

Ferry boat pulling up to Kadikoy

I've ridden the ferry across the Bosphorus many times since I moved to Kadikoy. I love to go to the European side and wander when I'm meeting up with Elizabeth. I went by ferry the first time because it was cheaper than the bus or taxi and I could find the ferry dock. I have spent hours lost in Istanbul (which is not unusual I've heard) and trudged many miles on foot and I thought it was just my lack of directional instinct that kept getting me so lost.

I heard people who live in Istanbul don't use maps, don't know the street names, and don't use landmarks to get around. I believe it now! It makes a lot of sense.

Trolley on Istaklal in Taksim

The sidewalks and streets are full of things to trip you or cause you to stumble into the middle of the busy traffic or other people. The little ledges and steps that appear out of nowhere. The slippery glass-like marble walks. The cobblestone walkways winding in unpredictable patterns with unpredictable bumps and ridges. The short metal or concrete traffic stoppers that run between some roads and sidewalks (when you least expect it). The tree in the middle of the sidewalk you can't always see because of the wall to wall people when it's rush hour. Or the dog poop not picked up by the owner because it's a stray dog. (They have “right away” in Istanbul.)

I guess I won't go on. I could, but you get the idea. Why follow any maps or landmarks if you have to keep your eyes darting back and forth, up and down to just keep upright! It would be useless. And with many of the streets not being lit up at night it wouldn't help to be looking for a street name. Even in broad daylight it isn't easy to find a particular place. Then if you add the rain and the umbrellas.......

I DO have a good sense of direction. I can get around, remember little things that help me navigate, and I am VERY good at asking for help (I am quite selective on who I ask).

I usually look for someone who looks like they have a place to go and are in a hurry (because they might want to “show” you how to get there and I'm not interested in having an escort to take me around the city when I don't even know where I am!!) I have been pretty successful at choosing middle-age couples that look like they are having a wonderful time (not in a drunk sense wonderful time, but in love). Usually the guy will show his manly sense of direction and take charge (but often the girl timidly interrupts).

One evening I was lost for hours and I came upon a couple that looked like a good bet. The young man began his directions.....and the girl quietly told him to get his I-phone out and look on the maps to make sure. (she was certain the ferries were in the opposite direction he was thinking). They very kindly walked me to a train station, got me on a train and explained to the engineer where I was to get off to go to the Besitas ferry. I was so happy to be sitting in a warm train with the hopes of ending up at the ferry so I could take it back to Kadikoy.

I have to say I'm not really sure what the girl said to the man. She only spoke Turkish. He spoke very little English. But, I like to believe I can get most of what is going on, most of the time. Human nature and body language speak pretty loud. And I've already told you, my eyes are seeing through an entirely different set of glasses than most people. İyi akşamlar