Turkish Holidays

Like the many inebriated brethren taking to the road for unknown, untold adventures Sam Haven and I began our trans-atlantic roaming with a open bar free for all on the late night shot from Minneapolis to Paris. Sleep seemed an incomprehensible amenity as we left loved ones and patria framilia for the millenium old walked and worn streets of Istanbul; and so with free wine and beer we began our story then waking up to drizzly Parisian dawn we said hello to Mater Europa. Pida Duruhm substantiated my first meal, the baked bread stuffed with veggies and sliced from a spit warmed chicken and lamb was warmth and pure joy happiness as i looked across the bay of the Golden Horn and watched listening to the sounding smells of roasted food bustling people as cool wind blows through narrow cobblestone streets cooling the sweat of eleven million brows and rushing through the lintels, windows, doors and passageways of this truly ancient city. Morning coffee and pastries enjoyed under umbrage of Constantine's lasting architectural triumph, the Hagia Sophia. Public tramways rushed us to the far side of the Golden Horn where we found more food and great views from hightop steep street benches. We chowed on local grapes as we listened to the countless mosques advertising their daily prayer through loud speakers. I viewed the ancient tradition of washing after prayer as it is continued in a worldly city today; the old culture and habit interrupted for a moment as American Chuck Taylor's are removed to wash feet. It is Ramadan, an Islamic holiday that (my little knowledge on the matter) consists of fasting until sunset. This unique fast/festival holiday is to thank for a party like atmosphere. Many tents with goods and foods and other such are lined up in the formidable shadow of the Blue Mosque. Locals and tourists alike enjoying the jovial respite of nightfall and a friendly atmosphere. Local music again lulled my friends and I while we enjoyed Flower, Rose, and Apple Teas while we smoked Banana Mint hookah. Days of travel, new sights, a wholly new culture enjoyed with old friends and new acquaintances from our hostel, food that makes my mouth water simply thinking about it; it is hard for me to be too homesick while i am so excited for tomorrow and the experiences it will undoubtedly place on the receptive mantle of my psyche.