Friendly but subdued

My experience of the Turks thus far has been that they are a friendly, helpful and polite people. But they have also struck me as a nation subdued. Perhaps it's because they must constantly be aware of the fact that they were once a truly great nation... there is no escaping that fact as one trawls the streets of this city. The winding streets ooze an abundant and proud ancient history at every turn. Perhaps it's the despair of knowing what this nation was once capable of, but that they have no idea how to ever attain it again... especially in a vastly changed and modern world?

Shiny, happy Bosphorus

Despite naively expecting the worst weather as I flew into Istanbul at 05h50 this morning, it has been a wonderfully sunny and lukewarm winter?s day. One that's been an amazing introduction to this city that straddles both Europe and Asia.

My first view of the Bosphorus River as I got off the tram at Sirkeci was a breathtaking treat. Especially the views (pictured here) across the river and to the north of the Golden Horn to Beyoglu and its prominent Galata Tower.

It has been a quiet, calm day spent on foot with big eyes.

Challenges and mystery

Embarking on a journey with a handset that has a stuffed camera and, after only a year, seems to be on its last legs. How on earth will I blog without a camera?
Anyway, its now dark at Oliver Tambo International and we're about to board the Airbus.
This is the last time for a month that I'll be wearing just a t-shirt.
Tomorrow I'm looking forward to Turkish coffee... also to facial structures, hair and bodies derived from moulds I've not previously set my eyes upon. And deliciously exotic ones, relatively speaking of course, at that.
Now seated on the plane, even the music playing in the backgrounds hints at the mystery and history that I imagine will imbibe the conjunction of the two continents in Istanbul.

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E.T phone home

Happiness...

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First step...

So starts my journey northwards.... Sitting on the Gautrain out of Johannesburg to the airport reading on the New York Times website that Saint Julian of Wikki has been denied bail in London, and will remain in custody until 14 December.
It's a magnificent summer's afternoon, undoubtedly my last until 2 January.
My Air Turkey flight leaves at 20h30and I'll be in Istanbul until Friday. Then further north and more cold and snow after that....

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