A Middle Eastern Experience – Istanbul Turkey

Istanbul Turkey is a unique and beautiful city. Although it has some very European elements (thanks to its proximity to Europe) it is still has a very Middle Eastern feel to it. Lindsay and I started our 3 week trek through the Middle East in this beautiful city and had our first “welcome to the Middle East experience” while sitting in an open square just outside the Yeni Camii Mosque. After a full day of walking and exploring we decided to sit on the steps of this beautiful mosque which borders a busy urban square. It was late afternoon and the hustle and bustle of the city was in full swing. As we sat there we saw, heard and smelt so many things that were so distinctly Middle Eastern and it truly was our first “taste” of the culture. There were women in burkas hustling as they ran their errands, usually with numerous kids in tow, men discussing the day’s events over a cup of tea and all of this was mixed with the smell of spices, ocean and city in the air. Just as we were beginning to take it all in a call to prayer started coming from the local mosque which really topped off the experience nicely. From that moment on we were both hooked on the Middle East and couldn’t wait to experience more. As we continued on our trek we began to take these sights, smells and sounds for granted but we will never forget experiencing them for the first time while sitting in the square outside Yeni Camii Mosque in Istanbul Turkey.