So, with the weather in Lamebridge returning to full apocalyptic form, I think back to the summer...
I was lucky enough to spend three weeks in Turkey this September, ostensibly doing 'theological research', and certainly having a truly eye-opening, mind=blown experience. With a very conscious fear that this may become a travel brag/gap yah gush, and with a vague, underlying message of how people should free themselves of obsessive, petty concerns and just trust strangers and the wind in my mind, I detail some of the cool shiz I did back then, here, now.
I was lucky enough to spend three weeks in Turkey this September, ostensibly doing 'theological research', and certainly having a truly eye-opening, mind=blown experience. With a very conscious fear that this may become a travel brag/gap yah gush, and with a vague, underlying message of how people should free themselves of obsessive, petty concerns and just trust strangers and the wind in my mind, I detail some of the cool shiz I did back then, here, now.
The majority of my time was spent in Istanbul, an incredible city which excites all the senses. Given recent political uproar with protests having taken place at Taksim Square in the weeks before over Turkey's increasingly less secular government, I had my reservations about Istanbul's inhabitants, and worried that they would be aggressive and unwelcoming towards travelers. I couldn't have been more wrong. I was given more cups of free tea in those three weeks than my entire life thus far! And was shown so many carpets.
One of my favorite sites in Istanbul (other than all the kittens on the street. So many awwwgasms) was seeing devout Muslims praying on the street right outside the mosque because they were running late for prayer, and couldn't get a space inside. A religion which is so often demonized in the British press became endearingly flawed and beautiful, peacefully existing on that street alongside Western tourists in all states of dress, a Korean dance show (whaaa? It happened) and all the aforementioned kittens.
One of my favorite sites in Istanbul (other than all the kittens on the street. So many awwwgasms) was seeing devout Muslims praying on the street right outside the mosque because they were running late for prayer, and couldn't get a space inside. A religion which is so often demonized in the British press became endearingly flawed and beautiful, peacefully existing on that street alongside Western tourists in all states of dress, a Korean dance show (whaaa? It happened) and all the aforementioned kittens.
As well as all the stunning architecture, delicious food and fascinating museums I went to, I was blessed to meet so many cool kids. That above all is what I want to share and impart onto y'all: strangers are great. I met people from Australia, Chile, North America, Spain, France, Germany, Canada and New Zealand, and that was just at breakfast in the hostel. I would encourage everyone who has the chance to travel, meet other people and leave all your fears behind. I was afraid of EVERYTHING before I left, and learning that I don't need hair straighteners for three weeks was just the beginning of the three greatest lessons I've ever learnt...
'Thank you' is the only phrase you need to be able to say in every language; exhaustion is the best pillow and home is wherever you lie your head.
For further details on why you should travel places: http://goinswriter.com/travel-young/
'Thank you' is the only phrase you need to be able to say in every language; exhaustion is the best pillow and home is wherever you lie your head.
For further details on why you should travel places: http://goinswriter.com/travel-young/