in-stuffed-bull

i wish i could smell. instead, textures and visions will have to suffice as i comb through the ancient cobbled streets of istanbul. perhaps this protection from sensory overload is a blessing, afterall, it is my first time alone in an extremely populated city. regardless of the fact that my first impressions are clouded by my body's limitations, i am happy to seek solice among civilizations oldest venues.



slowly emerging like shades in the dark, my brain computes the input of freshly roasted chestnuts, second hand smoke, and lingering exhaust. day two brings the promise of completing the experience. in spite of my body's protests yesturday, i was determined to adapt to the time and make the most of it. i managed to have some pretty unique experiences! my girggling, consistent cough turned out to be an optimal weapon against unwanted male attention. nothing says "i'm not available" like phlegm struggling for its independence every 2.6 minutes!!

in true form, my one track mind lead me to a cramped music shop filled with traditional instruments. after much consideration, i settled on a zurna -a rather abrassive sounding, wooden reed instrument- to be the perfect gift for laurren, who i was scheduled to meet in a couple of days. eager for some traditional music, i rambled into the only restaruant with musicians. i orded turkish tzatziki (definitely not called that) and watched intently as they plucked and bowed in feverish tempos. i took out the 3 lira book of traditional songs for mey metodu (turkish whistle) and it caught the eyes of the musicians. before i knew it, the fiddle/clarinet player was giving me a crash course on the zurna and all were laughing at my duck impressions!

after a baklava or two, i wandered into the blue mosque square where i was struck by the flags resemblance of the evening's sliver moon. enchanted, i walked towards the sound of a lone guitarist. after a few songs, he offered me his guitar and i shared what i could with my maimed vocal capacity. he taught me how to say thank you and i taught him the use of the word "jam." he then invited me to "make jam" with him at his gig in a restaurant. thankfully, i had louie with me so we elevated to the top floor of a building housing a gorgeous terrace restaurant overlooking the aya sofia and the majestic blue mosque. the street vendors below captured my emotional splendor with their illuminated toys resembling fireworks as we harmonized for the diners.