istanbul 2018

Istanbul was my first solo trip abroad, full of fear and at the same time excitement. Even a year earlier, I would not have suspected myself of making such a “crazy” decision. My first plane flight, my first time in Türkiye, the first time I didn’t look back at others and made a bold decision – I’M GOING! (And in fact, I’m Flying!).

It was absolutely the right decision. For that moment, it was the best vacation of my life. Istanbul delighted me. He delighted with the architecture, diversity, culture, very kind and open people. I spent a week walking from morning to evening through the narrow streets and documenting everything that made me so charmed around.

Each district is different – you feel like you are entering a different city. Conservative neighborhoods where women are veiled from head to toe, on the other hand, modern office buildings straight out of New York. The hipster part on the Asian side. On the streets, young and old people sipping tea from distinctive glasses. The Bosphorus and the beautiful villas on its banks. The Princes’ Islands, where time stops, slows down. No cars, horses, carriages, bicycles are the main forms of transportation there. Lots of contrasts, mosques, a voice calling to prayer coming out of a megaphone, cats at every turn. Tourists in the center, ordinary life in places far from it. Colorful houses in the Balat district and, in contrast, a wall full of garbage in the same part. Beautiful murals that will take your breath away.

And against everyone’s fears, who knew that I was flying alone to Istanbul, I did not feel unsafe there. Turks are very open people, eager to help. Of course, you have to be careful and approach everything with reason, as in any new, unknown place.

This trip initiated in me the desire to see the world, get out of my comfort zone and learn about other cultures. Since then, I have become hungry for travel and I thank all the good people who made it an unforgettable adventure!

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