I Wish My Bathroom Was Built in 1640!

On the list of "Really Turkish Things to Do in Istanbul" one will surely find visit a Hamam or Turkish Bath. Once a typical way of cleansing and relaxing, they have become less frequented and more of a novelty, but the tradition is still kept alive. This past weekend I visited the Cinili Hamamı in Üsküdar,Istanbul. I found it absolutely wonderful and I enjoyed experiencing this old Ottoman practice. Although I left refreshed and cleaner than I probably have ever been before, I also left with a newly acquired resentment for modern bathing methods.

Thanksgiving Dinner

Anıtkabir

The Turkish Republic today owes its existence to one man, Mustafa 'Atatürk' Kemal. With out him at the end of World War I what remained of the Ottoman Empire would have been divided up and shared among the victors. As the first leader of Turkey he laid the foundation for this modern state by establishing a secular nation with a constitution, developing The Turkish Economy, and by renovating its language and education system. He is the face of Turkey and their most celebrated figure.This past week I traveled to Ankara to visit his grave and the memorial and museum dedicated to his life and the Turkish Revolution.

Istanbul Marathon

This last Sunday my Rotary group and I did an 8k walk as part of the Istanbul Marathon. It was cold and rainy, but great nonetheless!

All the Rotary Turkeys ready to race!

On your mark....get set....were going nowhere because there are so many people!

And we begin...

The Bosphorus, I'm between Europe and Asia.

Looking back at the Boğaziçi Bridge

Two continents in a day, now I want some kebap!

Nargile

The Turks seem to have two sides 1) The business side it takes to cope with stressful life in Istanbul 2) And the social side needed to unwind from this hectic city. So what is one thing Turks do when they want to relax, you may ask? They smoke Nargile, which is a water pipe that has been in Anatolia since the Ottoman empire in the 1600's. Now I am not a smoker, but I have been curious to try this since I knew I was going to Turkey, so last night my friend Berke brought me to my first Nargile. Berke explained the place to go is Tophane, so I followed his lead, first taking some very cramped public transportation, but eventually we made it to the couch filled, dimly lit establishment of his choice. When we arrived everyone was kicked back chatting away, and after we sat down, we started with an apple flavored tobacco. It was a lot to take in. A dramatic Turkish show played on the TV's, a minaret loomed over us, and the colorful lights and sweet aromas played with my senses. While we smoked we talked about friends, religion, made jokes, and I practiced my Turkish. I too felt some of the stress of my first two week disappear, and from them on it was pure Istanbul fun.

Notes on Being an Ambassador

I find myself quite often talking politics with my new Turkish friends. I hear the same comments about George W. Bush and fellow people and issues who create the political climate of today. One of Rotary's missions is for us to be ambassadors, but with these sentiments I have been confused on how I will do this. I know I am not here to apologize nor explain, but I do feel the need to leave a positive impact of this place.

Last week I was asked by my history teacher to teach a lesson on American history. I accepted. I choose to teach the American revolution. In my preparation, I rediscovered the beautiful ideas and principles America is formed on. In its simplicity, I realized, the declaration of independence is my guide for how to be an ambassador. If nothing more it is my job to share that my America, regardless of its blunders and preconceptions, is a country that strives for all people to have the opportunity for life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

Istanbul

Istanbul is a city of 15,000,000 people. There is an amazing amount of traffic, and in every direction a sea of houses, but with its frantic pace of life, it has an electrifying beauty.




These photos were taken in and around Istiklal Caddesi, in the Beyoğlu district of Istanbul.