Hey,
On the seventh Of September we touched down in Istanbul, Turkey. Now one thing I want to make very clear in this blog post is I don't mean to offend anyone! I want this to be just an honest account of my feelings, and so it shall be.
I didn't know what to expect from Istanbul. As a New Zealander I've lived a pretty sheltered safe life, and human rights wise we're pretty great. What I didn't know about Istanbul is that as a young woman on the streets, you get ogled at. I didn't know I would begin to feel scared of showing my body. I didn't know I would feel unsafe because of who I am!
With that said! (Poof! Intense stuff over here) there were parts of Istanbul that I liked! So, I'm going to account our journey.
DAY ONE - EXPLORING
The first thing we did was explore the Grand Bazaar. Looking at all the things for sale was fun, being shouted at to look at them was not. I began to notice how EVERY shopkeeper was male. Without fault, and as soo as you looked in their direction a whole sales technique would switch on. "Nice lady!" "Hey, lady!" "We have stuff that is beautiful... Beautiful like you" all of this. Now, my mother is a shopper through and through, so sticking around her was not advisable. I clung to my father and grandfather and noticed how less called to they were.
Next part of that day was us catching a boat over the Bosphorus, to see the Galata Tower. My family went up and jetlagged and sad (as per usual on this trip!) me chilled by myself. But wow, that side of Istanbul is clogged with people! Riding the tram by the way, is not recommended (unless you want to become a human sandwich) back to the other side of Istanbul, we entered the New Mosque. I got my first taste of what covering up is like, and it isn't that bad. I only didn't enjoy having a selected spot for women to stand in, but hey that's me!
The mosque was beautiful, with amazing tiles. Annndd, then we took to the streets. Oh yes friends. If I thought Istanbul was clogged before, this was just a mass of people. We clawed our way through crowds upon crowds, and eventually got lost on our way 'home'. (I sound like a total downer but honestly, I'm not made out for crowds! Or you know, people in general) (joking!)
DAY TWO - GALLIPOLI AKA I STAY HOME ALONE
Day two my family left me to go to Gallipoli. I like being alone a lot, but I didn't think it would be that scary being alone... It was rather scary to be honest. And something I haven't touched on in my blog is my relationship with God. I was terrified and praying out loud to Him, gave me a wave of security. I just had to include that in this because I want to always remember that moment.
DAY THREE - PALACES AND HAGIA SOPHIA
Alrighty, day three in Istanbul. We started our day with a rooftop breakfast, which was so pretty. And moved on to the Blue Mosque. My favourite mosque lookswise! Somehow my grandfather commandeered a man to be our unofficial tour guide, and this guy weaved us through the lines and we got immediate entry! How? I do not know. Anyway, once inside he spoke about some facts and things but honestly I just zoned out and did my own thing. Slightly outside the mosque is some info on Islam faith, and it was interesting seeing from a Christian perspective. Especially Jesus Christ as a prophet! Back to our random man, he led us out and then suddenly said how we must go to his carpet shop. Later, mum told me it was a nice shop, but I really didn't trust this man, nor did I want to go into a shop. Luckily my grandmother stayed with me and we sat and waited.
Now, is my favourite favourite part of Istanbul. Hagia Sophia. Beautiful! I'm going to let photos speak for themselves, but I loved it. All of it, inside and out. I felt so safe there and was very intrigued by it.
Later on that day we entered Topkapi Palace. All of the queuing was had! We waited for an hour in the sun, and once inside all there was was a balcony with Bosphorus views and then a small room with treasures. Was it worth the queue?
The best part of Topkapi was the Harem. Which I can only describe as lavish. The Kings room, full of gold. Pretty great.
That is it! To be honest with you, I am a big downer. I can't help it, but I still know my feelings are valid because it's truly just how I felt. Istanbul is a male dominated place, and not the place for me. I'm lucky enough to have good parts of this trip there, and I know how blessed I am. Sometimes places just aren't for us, and this place isn't for me. Stay tuned though! Optimism ahead in other countries! I promise... Just wait for my next instalment ;)
Love,
Georgia Maree xx
On the seventh Of September we touched down in Istanbul, Turkey. Now one thing I want to make very clear in this blog post is I don't mean to offend anyone! I want this to be just an honest account of my feelings, and so it shall be.
I didn't know what to expect from Istanbul. As a New Zealander I've lived a pretty sheltered safe life, and human rights wise we're pretty great. What I didn't know about Istanbul is that as a young woman on the streets, you get ogled at. I didn't know I would begin to feel scared of showing my body. I didn't know I would feel unsafe because of who I am!
With that said! (Poof! Intense stuff over here) there were parts of Istanbul that I liked! So, I'm going to account our journey.
DAY ONE - EXPLORING
The first thing we did was explore the Grand Bazaar. Looking at all the things for sale was fun, being shouted at to look at them was not. I began to notice how EVERY shopkeeper was male. Without fault, and as soo as you looked in their direction a whole sales technique would switch on. "Nice lady!" "Hey, lady!" "We have stuff that is beautiful... Beautiful like you" all of this. Now, my mother is a shopper through and through, so sticking around her was not advisable. I clung to my father and grandfather and noticed how less called to they were.
Next part of that day was us catching a boat over the Bosphorus, to see the Galata Tower. My family went up and jetlagged and sad (as per usual on this trip!) me chilled by myself. But wow, that side of Istanbul is clogged with people! Riding the tram by the way, is not recommended (unless you want to become a human sandwich) back to the other side of Istanbul, we entered the New Mosque. I got my first taste of what covering up is like, and it isn't that bad. I only didn't enjoy having a selected spot for women to stand in, but hey that's me!
The mosque was beautiful, with amazing tiles. Annndd, then we took to the streets. Oh yes friends. If I thought Istanbul was clogged before, this was just a mass of people. We clawed our way through crowds upon crowds, and eventually got lost on our way 'home'. (I sound like a total downer but honestly, I'm not made out for crowds! Or you know, people in general) (joking!)
DAY TWO - GALLIPOLI AKA I STAY HOME ALONE
Day two my family left me to go to Gallipoli. I like being alone a lot, but I didn't think it would be that scary being alone... It was rather scary to be honest. And something I haven't touched on in my blog is my relationship with God. I was terrified and praying out loud to Him, gave me a wave of security. I just had to include that in this because I want to always remember that moment.
 |
| Photo by my mother |
DAY THREE - PALACES AND HAGIA SOPHIA
Alrighty, day three in Istanbul. We started our day with a rooftop breakfast, which was so pretty. And moved on to the Blue Mosque. My favourite mosque lookswise! Somehow my grandfather commandeered a man to be our unofficial tour guide, and this guy weaved us through the lines and we got immediate entry! How? I do not know. Anyway, once inside he spoke about some facts and things but honestly I just zoned out and did my own thing. Slightly outside the mosque is some info on Islam faith, and it was interesting seeing from a Christian perspective. Especially Jesus Christ as a prophet! Back to our random man, he led us out and then suddenly said how we must go to his carpet shop. Later, mum told me it was a nice shop, but I really didn't trust this man, nor did I want to go into a shop. Luckily my grandmother stayed with me and we sat and waited.
Now, is my favourite favourite part of Istanbul. Hagia Sophia. Beautiful! I'm going to let photos speak for themselves, but I loved it. All of it, inside and out. I felt so safe there and was very intrigued by it.
Later on that day we entered Topkapi Palace. All of the queuing was had! We waited for an hour in the sun, and once inside all there was was a balcony with Bosphorus views and then a small room with treasures. Was it worth the queue?
The best part of Topkapi was the Harem. Which I can only describe as lavish. The Kings room, full of gold. Pretty great.
That is it! To be honest with you, I am a big downer. I can't help it, but I still know my feelings are valid because it's truly just how I felt. Istanbul is a male dominated place, and not the place for me. I'm lucky enough to have good parts of this trip there, and I know how blessed I am. Sometimes places just aren't for us, and this place isn't for me. Stay tuned though! Optimism ahead in other countries! I promise... Just wait for my next instalment ;)
Love,
Georgia Maree xx
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