I always comfort myself by saying ‘I will be fine.’ But that never helped. As I stepped into the growling machine I could hear my heart pound even harder, but despite that I tried to smile happily at the hostess. My journey started by flying above the cotton like clouds that floated gently up in the sky. I closed my eyes desperately to ignore the pressure that I could feel in my delicate ears; I never liked this part of the journey as I always feel unwell. I decided to distract myself listening to my favourite music until I landed.
Eventually the plane joggled on to the hard concrete runway and with relief I exhaled looking at every one in the plane with a reassured smile of happiness. Everyone was clapping and cheering as if we have accomplished a major success. I rushed out of the plane as soon as the door opened; breathing in the fresh air into my worried lungs. I was finally in Turkey. I was hustled into the crowded airport; it was busy as a hive of working bees. I could hear the crowd chatter in an unusual language that I did not understand, but I kept on observing my surrounding making my way to the silver coloured busses heeded for the central city. I thought to myself, here I come! With a joyful smile on my face.
I finally reached the treasured city of Turkey, Istanbul. I could feel the warm wind welcoming me as I walked down the crowded road full of colours and liveliness of people. I could hear the music being played everywhere, the sun was shining brightly in the light blue sky above me. I could see the humongous mountains in the background looking down at the city from afar. There was no words to describe the scenery.
The pattered blue and gold mosques towered high above me and made me feel very insignificant. The sound of the prayers from the mosque echoed through the city cleansing it with peace and warmth. I made my way closer to the mosque. It stood tall in front of me with neat ivory scripts painted on the sealing forming beautiful patterns of flowers. I slowly steeped in into the large mosque observing every single detail with precaution. There were a soothing smell of perfume diffusing though the air. I was ready to absorb the Turkish culture into me.
Everywhere I turned I could see the significant culture bloomed. It felt like paradise just standing there in the vast ocean of culture. I could smell the newly backed bread in the air, the sweetness of the traditional baklava glistered in the daylight attracting customers to buy. There was so much happiness in the air filling my heart with warmth it was a wonderful feeling that could never be replaced.
I felt hungry after a while that I started to focus only on finding a place to eat. But not any food, it had to be a rich and extensive Turkish dish something that would represent the culture thorough the taste. I found a simple restaurant that was not too posh but more local, I entered the restaurant with a gasp; the smell of the spices filled the air. I felt hungrier and more attracted to their food. I ordered a simple dish made of: rise over bulgur, koftes and some freshly made vegetable stew with homemade yoghurt. When I got my food it smelled fresh and new encouraging me to have a bite. The taste melted inside my mouth as I had my first bite. I could taste all the spices working together forming a nice harmony. I was very pleased by the food and the effort put into making it. it really represented the welcoming culture through its rich taste.
Later that day I explored the evening that was filled with lights enhancing the streets with comfort; the roads was busy, full of people crowding it like ants. Nowhere to set foot. But still I loved the crowded atmosphere as I could feel a different vibe about the place, something special. I could hear the music and the people sing happily in their sophisticated language that livened my soul up. I started walking down the street of swarming waves of people as I looked around the street markets that exploded with colours, perfume and love. It did not feel like night even with the dusky sky above me engulfing the stars. I was so overwhelmed with the friendly people that welcomed me with open arms, I forgot that I was tired and exhausted. I was full of excitement looking around with my eyes widening to the beauty of Istanbul.
After a week I had to finally say goodbye to Istanbul that welcomed me with a smile. Even though I wanted to stay my journey was bound to end. I slowly dragged my feet closer to the grey buses. I took a final breath of Istanbul, looking around with a sad heart wishing to stay longer I climbed into the bus.