Post from Michelle:
My sister is expecting a baby and asked me to come home and help. She is the first sibling to have a child and it's a really big deal for the family. So I agreed to cut my trip short and fly home early. We agreed Tim would keep traveling until the end of the summer through Europe.
Upon arriving in Istanbul my first errand was to purchase an airline ticket home. The travel agencies were closed on Sundays and so I couldn't inquire about buying a ticket until Monday morning. I hoped to buy a plane ticket for the last day of June, leaving a week to tour the city and mentally prepare for my return home and separation from Tim.
Early on Monday we walked into a travel agency in the tourist area of Istanbul. Big colorful signs in the window advertised cheap international flights. The agents tapped at their keyboards, studied the computer screen, and made some calls to the airlines. Good news: there was a seat available (the only one in the next two weeks). Bad news: the flight left that night! Tim and I stared at each other in horror. I had to buy this ticket to get home but wasn't emotionally prepared to leave so soon. I was filled with conflicting emotions: sadness in leaving Tim and the travel lifestyle, excitement to see family and friends, surprise at leaving so quickly, anticipation of what life in the US would be like after traveling for so long. Reluctantly I handed over my credit card and within minutes I had an airline ticket in hand.
We set out into the city with a purpose. I had less than 12 hours to sightsee, buy presents, and pack. First we visited the Grand Bazaar, an indoor market of overwhelming size and merchandise. The bazaar began in the 15th century and since then, has only grown. Now it covers many kilometers and feels like a giant maze. We wandered for a couple hours looking at spices, clothes, Turkish carpets, lace, and an amazing selection of souvenirs. With only a little room left in my backpack I could only buy a couple t-shirts and decorative pillows.
We strolled through the park in front of the St. Sophia as the light glowed in the early evening. Then we ate a wonderful Turkish dinner on a rooftop restaurant. From here we could see ships sailing in the harbor, effortlessly gliding along the water. Brilliant sparkles shone off the golden spires of the nearby Blue Mosque as they reflected the setting sun. As our last meal together on the trip it was incredibly romantic and poignant. I kept taking deep breaths and looking around as I realized tomorrow I would be home and these were my final moments of this fabulous adventure.
Upon arriving in Istanbul my first errand was to purchase an airline ticket home. The travel agencies were closed on Sundays and so I couldn't inquire about buying a ticket until Monday morning. I hoped to buy a plane ticket for the last day of June, leaving a week to tour the city and mentally prepare for my return home and separation from Tim.
Early on Monday we walked into a travel agency in the tourist area of Istanbul. Big colorful signs in the window advertised cheap international flights. The agents tapped at their keyboards, studied the computer screen, and made some calls to the airlines. Good news: there was a seat available (the only one in the next two weeks). Bad news: the flight left that night! Tim and I stared at each other in horror. I had to buy this ticket to get home but wasn't emotionally prepared to leave so soon. I was filled with conflicting emotions: sadness in leaving Tim and the travel lifestyle, excitement to see family and friends, surprise at leaving so quickly, anticipation of what life in the US would be like after traveling for so long. Reluctantly I handed over my credit card and within minutes I had an airline ticket in hand.
We set out into the city with a purpose. I had less than 12 hours to sightsee, buy presents, and pack. First we visited the Grand Bazaar, an indoor market of overwhelming size and merchandise. The bazaar began in the 15th century and since then, has only grown. Now it covers many kilometers and feels like a giant maze. We wandered for a couple hours looking at spices, clothes, Turkish carpets, lace, and an amazing selection of souvenirs. With only a little room left in my backpack I could only buy a couple t-shirts and decorative pillows.
We strolled through the park in front of the St. Sophia as the light glowed in the early evening. Then we ate a wonderful Turkish dinner on a rooftop restaurant. From here we could see ships sailing in the harbor, effortlessly gliding along the water. Brilliant sparkles shone off the golden spires of the nearby Blue Mosque as they reflected the setting sun. As our last meal together on the trip it was incredibly romantic and poignant. I kept taking deep breaths and looking around as I realized tomorrow I would be home and these were my final moments of this fabulous adventure.
Photos From This Location
