As always, when I get to a new place, I started walking around aimlessly. I’m very close to the tourist attraction that is Taksim Square and Istiklal street so that’s where I chose to go. I walked for a few hours and enjoyed it a lot. I can’t explain what exactly I enjoy when I walk around foreign places. It’s not like I’m interested in buying anything or going to a specific attraction. I just enjoy the walking.
I feel really comfortable in Istanbul but I can’t explain this either. I wonder if it’s because of the “travelling experience” I got from the trip at the beginning of the year or if it’s something specific about this place. People here are nice, helpful and inviting and that’s all it takes to make me feel comfortable.
I went to rest for a few hours and then went out again. This time the streets were swarming with so many people walking around, sitting in the various restaurants and pubs in extreme density. Then the lights went out – a complete blackout of the entire area. Everyone went “oooohhhhh” and there was a lot of laughing, whistling and clapping. It was funny. Consequently, power generators kicked in. Apparently blackouts are expected and most businesses are ready for them. But then the street was still darker and noisier with the sound of generators.
After walking around some more I decided to go back to the hotel. Sitting alone in such commotion on a Diet Coke doesn’t appeal to me. On the way back this very friendly man tried to con me into sitting with him in a pub. Unlike that time I was scammed in Bangkok, I departed from him as soon as I realized he was after something. At least I’ve learned my lesson. Looking it up on the Internet it appears as though I managed to dodge the Turkish Single Male Scam.
Here are a few pictures from yesterday and today. Nothing exciting, but still…