Istanbul was so much fun. Everyday consisted eat, walk, eat, drink, smoke, and then repeat the next day. The city itself is very charming and the metro was convenient that we never had to take a taxi once.
We stayed in Takism and ate doners and kebabs almost every night, with late night snacks of roasted chesnuts after smoking some shisha. There were also these delicious mussels filled with rice on the streets, it's one of their specialties- though I was told not to eat the shady ones on the street, at least go to a mom and pop restaurant unless you feel like taking some Pepto-Bismol after.
The people in Istanbul were all kinds of race and religion. But one thing they all had in common was their attitude of shrugging off something with "It's okay!". One night we took a taxi and even though we had too many people for one car, he said "It's okay!" and told two people to sit in the hatchback trunk. Then he ran a few red lights, and saw our discomfort and said "It's okay!". The next day we saw a few more cars running red lights and our Turkish friend responded with "oh it's okay!".
"But isn't it illegal?" I asked.
"Well yes, if you get caught." Neslihan said.
Everything could have been dealt with "it's okay!". I asked a shop owner if he had a garbage can for my empty juice box, he gave me the gesture to hand my juice box to him. When I gave it to him, he dropped it on the floor, and kicked it under a tarp on the street. "Gone!" he smiled and said. "that's okay?" I asked. I don't know, I've been known to shamelessly do sketchy stuff without feeling guilty but littering just makes me uncomfortable every time. "yes it's okay!" he replied. One of the days while wandering in Takism, we saw a dude welding with sparks flying everywhere while people were walking just two feet away:
"In Canada they'd at least put cones around it" I commented.
"No, they'd close the entire street for this, but here 'it's okay!'" Igho said.
"I kind of like this mentality" I said, "It keeps things efficient!"
"It's a bit dangerous maybe." Igho replied.
"Well I guess if someone's dumb enough to walk under there then Darwin will take care of it" I said.
Coming back, I wonder if they thought North Americans are stupid. At the Ottawa airport, there were signs indicating when a sidewalk ends, and everywhere you go, there are signs to something obvious. 3D MOVIE GLASSES AREN'T MADE FOR THE USE OF SUNGLASSES. CONSTRUCTION MAY BE LOUD. HOT BEVERAGE MAY BE HOT. ROAD ENDS HERE AND LAKE AHEAD. To us people who aren't trying to sue each other, these signs suggest that we are a stupid and clumsy nation. Why would you use a pair of 3D movie glasses as sunglasses? Of course a sidewalk will end eventually. Of course construction is loud. Of course hot coffee is hot. And then you get that guy who broke into someone's house and sued the home owner (and won) because he injured himself during his break and enter. All it takes is one asshole to do something stupid and it ruins it for the rest of us.
Maybe there are some truth to just saying "it's okay" and let Charles Darwin take care of it.
Julie... I read this at work and laughed outloud... especially the stupid item how a thief broke into someone's house, hurt himself... sued and won... that is insane. I say let Darwin take care if him for sure.... geesh!!
ReplyDeleteYour pictures look amazing.. I love that blue dress on you... very nice xox ♡
Istanbul looks gorgeous! The photos are so pretty and it all looks so pretty.
ReplyDeletexoxo
smudged-fingerprints.blogspot.com
Hahah, how lovely that things run so well over there! It's always good when people have a good attitude no matter what! I absolutely love all the photos, so colorful, so rich! The cut fruits, your gorgeous flowing cobalt dress and those glass lanterns in the last shot are all so breath taking! Glad to know you had such a great time! Do stop by my blog, I'm hosting a giveaway to celebrate my 4th year blogiversary!
ReplyDeletePlease submit the last picture to Vogue or National Geographic. Ok. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteBABE.
Haha I really enjoyed reading this. Your post was more than okay!
ReplyDeleteit looks gorgeous!
ReplyDelete& your outfits in the blue dress and the white pants are fab.
xx
Nice post =)
ReplyDeleteKisses from Italy
http://blamod.wordpress.com
Wowww!! Amazing pictures! I would love to go to Istanbul!!
ReplyDeleteHave a nice day!!
www.acurlystyle.blogspot.com
what an interesting life perspective
ReplyDeleteIstanbul is absolutely magical! I love seeing your trip photos!
ReplyDeletealexis @ www.thelittlebrunette.com
This is such a great post! Its interesting to learn about the collective "its ok" perspective ♥
ReplyDeleteAmy xx
Little Moon Dragon
Love your photography, my dear! Always wanted to visit Istanbul & thanks for sharing your travel story! xoxo
ReplyDeleteI loveeeeee seeing your beautiful photography clicks.. so very neat and perfect. keep sharing my friend <3
ReplyDeleteLove all your pictures! Your post is enjoy to read, such a different experience! Id love to go to Istanbul one day! :)
ReplyDeletewww.yoannita90.blogspot.com
All the pictures are woooow!
ReplyDeleteThat attitude is common in this side of the world, it is always okay.lol
http://www.distinguisheddiva.com/2015/05/stand-up-stand-tall.html
Awesome photos. That shade of blue is my favourite!
ReplyDeleteThat city has some really beautiful sites--in addition to the foreign beauty.
ReplyDeleteFolks breaking into houses should be shot (and not allowed to sue)!!!
amazin picz!!!! i really like ur story)))) cuz i have close mentality to turkish mentality)))) n welding with sparks flying everywhere it really ok))))))) but runnin on red lights its not ok))) btw, the most craziest car drivers are in egypt cuz there are not any ride rules)))) i'm seriously!!!)))) it shocked at first time))))
ReplyDeleteYour style was really cool for Turkey, like a Bond Girl, if she was in Turkey (and was too cool for Bond)
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