Finally back in Istanbul…

Last updated on July 4, 2024.

I’ve finished my rehab/rest trip in the USA and arrived back in Istanbul, Turkey, yesterday. Being out of the city for three long months, there are a few things I’ve missed and haven’t missed:

Things I’ve missed:

1. Mantı, tantuni, ayran, lahmacun, pide, midye dolma and several other delicious Turkish foods
2. The Bosporus and riding the ferry
3. Nargile at Tophane
4. Amazing weather
5. My friends and students
6. Islak mendil (wet naps) after every meal
7. Çay (tea) anywhere and everywhere, day and night
8. Turkish hospitality
9. Buying groceries that actually spoil
10. The dolmuş (shared taxi)

Things I haven’t missed:

1. The constant state of chaos
2. Elbowing other passengers to get on and off the Metrobüs
3. The pungent odor of unshowered old men, especially when they hang on to the handrails on public transportation
4. Concrete as far as the eye can see
5. Occasional riots breaking out as of late
6. Istanbul traffic and taking at least an hour to get anywhere
7. The general population’s lack of spatial awareness
8. Waking up with the 5:30am Ezan (Call to Prayer), especially on days I really want to sleep in
9. Risking my life playing frogger every time I have to cross the street
10. Pushing and shoving to get on public transportation