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We're free again. Out of the predetermined schedule, Scott and I are free to explore at our own pace, and to make decisions based on our own priorities. Sitting on our beautiful rooftop terrace, the Blue Mosque towering above me to the right, the Marmara Sea stretching out to my left, I am caught between extreme emotions. As much as I enjoyed both Serbia and Romania, I am very glad to get my life back into my own hands again. But every time I allow myself the feel the peace that this freedom allows me, anxiety is quick on its heels. I keep trying to imagine what it will be like to return to Boston, but I can't make the image congeal. Probably that's because I have no idea what actions I will take when I arrive.
Scott and I have spent a lot of time up on this terrace, thinking, writing, reading, taking pictures, and cooking meals. Not only do we have an amazing view up here, but it's fricking HOT out on the street and we have plenty of days to see the sites. Oh, and, Istanbul sites are not be rushed. First we took in the massive Archeology Museum--Scott drooled over ancient tombs while I got my history lesson of the city. It was awesome for the price, but I kept wondering if they shouldn't charge a little more and install some air conditioning.
Next we saw the enchanting Basillica Cistern and the classic Blue Mosque. In the evening we got lost in the streets by our hostel, and found the boardwalk--big boulders covered in cats, beer bottles, families fishing, and picnics on carpets--it took us forever to tear ourselves away from the sea air and the dazzling view.
The day we went to the Grand Bazaar it was raining, which made the air so pleasantly cool. Inside the covered the market we ambled by all the shops and I felt that it was much smaller than I remembered. The same shops were there--rugs, scarves, lamps, ashtrays and the rest--but it was so easy to navigate, it was almost disappointing. After people-watching from a comfy cafe, we left out the South West corner to find Beyazit Square by the grand and beautiful University gate. We tried to make our way to the Spice Bazaar without a compass, but the more we got lost in the maze the hungrier I got, so we headed home
Our last full day we headed to a section of Istanbul I never saw with my family. We took a tram to Beyoglu, the modern quarter across the Bosphorous. The tram crossed the magnificent bridge and let us out. We fumbled our way up the steep hill on winding streets. When we arrived at the popular street Istiklal Caddesi, it was quite a shock to emerge from tiny streets full of residents and minimarts onto a huge commercial street bustling with cosmopolitan energy. Scott and I enjoyed tea and coffee with the locals and window shopped all the way up to Taksim Square.
Meanwhile, between sites, Scott and I tortured ourselves trying to plan the rest of our trip. We spent hours looking for bus and ferry routes online, and agonizing moments trying to decide how much longer our wallet can afford to stay in Europe. I was finally able to relax when we decided to skip Croatia and Athens and come home two weeks early.
As with Sarajevo, I am sad to leave Istanbul although I know I've spent the right amount of time here. I am really glad to get yet another chance to get to know Turkey, and I this time on my own.
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