In my piece “Journeys and journaling (1)” on Saturday I shared some points that should help bring your travels to life and be remembered for years to come.
In sharing the journal points, I asked Madeleine E., a 19-year-old German woman who, like many other students who came from a small town in her own country, came to a major urban center in a foreign land. According to Wikipedia, İstanbul is the third-largest urban zone in Europe.
Here are some insights from Madeleine, a typical student abroad, and more tips for points to include when you keep a journal.
Observations about local cultures or languages: The culture is quite different from the German culture. People are not so much in a hurry all the time and they take things easier. I often get lost and Turks help me find my way. Many Turks I have met speak some German. They are friendly and want to practice their German. I think Turks are friendlier to strangers than Germans. They respect their elders more than we do. I have noticed more than once that a younger person will give their seat to an older person. However, I have found that when I am walking on my own in public men try to speak to me or make contact by touch because I am a foreign female. In Germany I have never had this experience. People do not bother you.
I have been trying to learn a few Turkish phrases and some Turkish grammar. I think the language is quite hard because Turks use a lot of different endings for everything. I like learning Turkish. I am excited that the more I try to speak the more I can understand what people are saying on the bus, etc.
Things you like or dislike about where you are: I like staying close to the sea but it is also far away from Kadıköy and it always takes much time to travel anywhere. I dislike being stuck on the street waiting for transportation. One of the things I like the most is going by ferry because you can see the beautiful skyline of İstanbul, which is really amazing and one of the most beautiful things I have ever seen. I also like getting to know so many people from many different countries. İstanbul is somehow a place that connects people.
What you have eaten and where: Most of the time here I eat out. It seems everyone does. My favorite Turkish food is İskender kebap (lamb meat) and tavuk dürüm (chicken wrap). Turkey also has lots of fresh fruits and veggies. Eating out and food from supermarkets are much cheaper than in Germany.
Attractions, sights and museums you have seen: I went to see every historic place. My favorite was the Basilica Cistern. Oh, and I walked along İstiklal Street to Taksim. I think Tünel is probably one of the oldest and shortest underground trains I have ever been on.
Souvenirs you have purchased: I love shopping here! I have bought some really pretty scarves, key chains, a colorful stained glass lamp and some earrings and lots of postcards. Also a poster of İstanbul.
Cool pictures you have taken: I have taken lots of pics of İstanbul's skyline, the Hagia Sophia and a beautiful reddish orange sunset near my place with a view of the Princes' Islands.
Interesting things you have discovered: There are many street animals here but they are really peaceful and seem to sleep a lot; I do not think they would normally attack a passer-by. Something that has disturbed me is the contrast in living standards in some neighborhoods. There is a huge contrast between the poor and the rich.
Favorite works of art and architecture you have seen: I absolutely loved the Basilica Cistern. It is really impressive. I am amazed that people in those early days could build something like that without the tools we have today. The architecture and mosaics in some mosques are awesome.
How you will feel when you leave: Of course I will be happy to see my family and friends again because I have missed them. I am also a bit sad because I will miss the new friends I've just made. I have just begun to figure out a way to live here without so many difficulties. Now that I know most things and also some Turkish, I feel more settled. I will miss the buzz of İstanbul. I have learned so many things here. It has somehow become like a second home.
