New Girl in the City-Pt.2
As I walked back to my hotel, I remembered one of the girls who I had bumped into on my 1st day here was leaving to her next travel stop today! She happened to be the first lovely soul I had met in Istanbul (Refer part 3 to know more). Also happened to live right next door to my hotel- what are the odds, right! So I hurried away to bid farewell to her just as she dragged her luggage down the stairs. We got lucky as her driver got late and I was happy to have a few extra mins with her. We settled at a nearby coffee shop, sat at those cutesy tables by the picturesque street-side and shared how it felt to be leaving Turkey. A bag of mixed feelings I must say. A stranger who I met just 4 days ago but yet ended up being a friend, a travel partner, a dinner companion and a good listener in the days I spent here.
There was a little something that we shared in common, I guess being solo travellers in a new city from completely different worlds was a big common point after all. Taking our space and doing our thing and yet spending a few days together in a bustling city like Istanbul had my heart my all the way!!
I sent her off in her airport shuttle and it took me a bit to get a hold of myself as I walked back to the same coffee shop to finish my coffee and journal away my day. Soon, I got lost in a world that was only between me & the madness of this city. Ordered some chocolate cake, got my coffee re-filled & with a furry creature by my side, I got writing on Medium.com.
It was Bliss for the next good 60 mins..
An hour later, a couple of young Turkish students walked into the cafe. They caught my attention as they discussed ART from photography to fashion to modeling. With a DSLR in their hands, how could I not ask to be photographed in my most favourite moment in this city that gave me so much love & joy. I, unhesitatingly asked away and they took even more joy to do so. This lovely young girl captured me in my very own essence inside the cafe and with the cobblestone streets in this amazing breezy weather.
We then got talking and they decided to show me Istanbul their way if I preferred to spend the rest of the evening with them. A day with the locals checking out the nightlife of Istanbul. I loved the sound of that!
We stopped by Carrefour, picked up a couple of beers, walked by the streets, chugging them and exploring the street-side food (Mussels, chestnuts & some Hamburger filled with garlic). All of this simply seemed like my kind of way of exploring a city. I’m so grateful they made this happen. We sat by the pavements for the rest of the evening and indulged in some long talks about love, cultures & food yet again. While they taught me some Turkish, I thought them some English :)
The most happening street of the city, Istiklal Street is definitely going to remember us for life as beautiful memory carved on its walls & I hope to go back there some day ❤
