Thursday, February 13, 2025

Walking through the streets of Istanbul





Today was a relaxing day. It drizzled all day, but by the time we finally stepped out, the weather was cloudy and shady—perfect for a walk. As we strolled down the street, we met so many incredibly friendly people. 





The Turkish people are truly warm and welcoming. They treat you well, and I never felt any awkward stares at my turban. Instead, they were helpful and polite. 



Whenever I had a question, they would take out their own smartphones, ask me to type in English, and instantly translate it to Turkish. Then, they would respond in English using the same method. Such a thoughtful and respectful way to communicate!











We decided to visit Levent, a massive mall about one and a half kilometers from our hotel, the Sheraton. 






On the way, I noticed that young girls mostly walked in groups, but I hardly saw anyone wearing a hijab. Inside the mall, the atmosphere was elegant and upscale, filled with high-end brands, mostly American and European. 




The restaurants were beautifully decorated, and the entire place had an ornamental charm. We spent a couple of hours wandering through the shops, especially the flower stalls, before heading back.




Our hotel was visible from a distance, giving us a nice chance to take some pictures along the way. 




In total, we walked about four miles today—a refreshing and enjoyable walk. So far, so good. A lovely day overall. Bye-bye!


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