TRAVEL
of us, however, were honey-based, so it was a bit more expensive. After gobbling multiple samples of the delicious delights, we were shamed enough to order boxes upon boxes to bring home to family and friends. Not to worry, stores here have vacuum pack machines to help store the goodies and let travelers safely lug their fattening purchases. Also available in his store were oils and essences to be used for perfumes, and one could just imagine traders from all over the continents coming to sniff and buy scent for women in their home countries. Of course, after paying homage to the spectacular mosques that preside over the city. Where to begin? The Blue Mosque and its six minarets should be top of the tour list, together with the Hagia Sophia. (The Hagia is under renovation though, so expect scaffolding to block the view). Visible from almost all angles in the ancient part of the city, the Blue Mosque and the Hagia Sophia bring to life those dusty books about the Moors, the Ottoman empire, and Byzantium. Five times a day, loudspeakers broadcast prayers, and as the chants wash over you, you are transported to a world dominated by religion and mysticism. It is not uncommon to see women in veils and burqas, accompanied by fierce-looking husbands. Meanwhile, different tongues chatter and clash. Ah, Istanbul. Right outside these places of worship are hop-on, hop-off busses called the Big Bus. They travel two routes (red and blue), and for those without any agendas, hitching a ride on this easy-peasy alternative is a quick way to navigate the city. Or, another way to get a feel for the place is to catch a river cruise that will bring you down the ancient routes of commerce. Either way, the guides will point out the bridges that connect Asia and Europe, and immense palaces, lush gardens, and wistful remnants of ancient civilizations.
purchased for my niece. (To digress, there really seems to be a million cats wandering around Istanbul). Indeed, my personal choice, which I intend to hang in my office, was a quick pen and ink sketch of a group of Turks just idly hanging around, mohawks and vests denoting that rebellious feel of youth. An emblematic example of Elif, and it was mine to take home! While I vowed to come back to the gallery on another trip and another time (hopefully, with a bigger budget for art purchases), that lucky discovery was the highlight of my trip. I spent the rest of the day strolling around the Grand Bazaar, stocking up on bronze bells, evil eyes, jasmine tea balls, and pepper mills for friends. Unfortunately, I had to pass up silk carpets and entire cow hides, the prices and luggage restrictions conspiring to stop me from maxing out my credit cards. But, despite this deprivation, I was perfectly content, smug in the knowledge that I had with me a piece of Istanbul no one else would have. EC
Of course, just walking around the old city of Sultanammet could satisfy the wanderlust in any intrepid traveler. On one such jaunt, I noticed a hand-made sign pointing to an art gallery. I clattered my way up an apartment building, and found myself in a quiet, spacious room with piles and sheafs of art. On one corner were the souvenirs, cheap reprints of whirling dervishes and posters of scimitars and galloping horses. But, on other walls, I discovered original art from up-and- coming artists, and I quickly found a couple of amusing sketches by Elif Nursad that were reasonably priced. What a pleasant surprise, after talking to the proprietor (also an artist) that not only was the creatrice his sister, but also that she had been recently featured in the New York Times! I quickly googled her and true enough, Elif Nursad was featured in 2013 by the Times, and she was characterized as a rebel with a penchant for sketching toms and tabbies, such as the one I had
34 EC Magazine | World Tourism Day Edition 2020
Made with FlippingBook Proposal Creator