This is a story about friendship, traveling and Turkey.
Here are 3 facts about this country, and one of them is untrue:
1. All public transport in Istanbul is for free;
2. Film tourism becomes the most leading;
3. Kebabs are the mainstay in Turkish cuisine.
MY FIRST TIME ON A PLANE ALONE
I was looking forward to this trip for a long time that I couldn’t believe how lucky I am when I was finally on board.
This was the first time I tried the food on the plane, I was surprised that it was actually served, as the flight lasted only about 2 hours, and most airlines offer meal service for flights over 4 hours.
MY NEW FRIEND OR WHY WE SHOULD TRY TO APPLY FOR STUDENT PROGRAMS
Probably everyone’s journey begins with expectations and plans. In my case, my new acquaintance continued on an unexpected and exciting journey that I will not forget.
FIRST IMPRESSIONS OF ISTANBUL
As soon as my friend and her fiancé met me at the airport, I was amazed at how unusual, and new everything was.
It is a combination of old and new eras in one city.
The first offer I received from my friends was to get acquainted with the local cuisine. The concept of UBER in Turkey maybe exists, but better to learn how to stop taxis as locals, quickly helping yourself with gestures.
The choice of my food was completely based on the taste of my friends. I should admit the richness of the Turkish cuisine is undeniable and it’s NOT only about kebab, however, it is also sooo delicious.
Of course, we visited many famous attractions, and interestingly, most entries were for free. Just before you go to a mosque, check the work schedule, and do not worry about clothes, they will be given to you at the entrance if needed.
Apart from gastro tourism, a special offer to visit places that you can recognize from movies and TV series becomes the most popular travel destination.
BAZAARS AS AN OPPORTUNITY NOT TO NOTICE HOW THE WHOLE DAY IS SPENT
In Istanbul to go shopping is one of the best things probably you can do, as here you can find everything. Just wear comfortable shoes and get yourself ready to run a marathon.
The Turks are indeed proud of their country as I have seen Turkish flags everywhere.
LOST IN ISTANBUL (I WAS WAITING TO WRITE IT)
When visiting Istanbul, you do not need to make much effort to take a nice picture, anyway almost each taken photo looks like a postcard.
For Turkey citizens, the price for a ticket to an amusement park is twice lower, so we had to overpay, but it was fully worth it.
WEDDING PREPARATION AND TURKISH HAMAM
On the wedding eve, according to Turkish customs, our girlish squad spent all day in a Turkish hammam, we were rubbing ourselves by Moroccan powders, which were brought from Morocco by the bride’s mother.
The wedding was full of Turkish traditions, dancing a joint dance in a circle, as well as raising the groom like a rock star at a concert.
VISITING AN ISLAND FOR FREE
All public transport in Turkey, including buses and ferries, is for free. Just choose traveling on one of the Turkish public holidays. There are 4 open islands near Istanbul that you can visit by a ferry.
On the way home, I realized how this trip changed me. We live in our daily routine, and we forget that the world contains a rich array of people and cultures. There is much to be gained from taking the journey we have been dreaming of a long time.
