People, I learned a valuable lesson today that there is something to the 'smells like' thing. The Indian guy DOES smell like curry, assuming he actually eats curry. When I was living in Taiwan, I was told that us whiteys (or more accurately, North Americans) smelled like butter and cheese.
Remember that Turkish breakfast sausage I showed you in the previous posting? Well, EVERYONE eats it here. Yes, every last single person. A lot of it. Add 37 degrees and crowded markets to the mix. Sweet mother, I thought I might pass out a few times.
Hmmmm... it just dawned on me why I keep smelling fermented McChicken sauce every time I get near Ryan.
Here are a couple shots from the Spice Market and the Grand Bazaar. It was mind-blowing on so many levels: the sheer number of people, the brashness of the merchants trying to make their living by selling something like buttons (flanked by two other shops that also sell buttons), the sea of colorful scarves worn around the women's heads, the smells (occasionally good, mostly bad, always pungent), the uneven cobblestone... everything was so far removed from what our 'normal' is. It made us feel fortunate to have been able to experience it and also very fortunate that it is not our daily experience. Living in a crowded city of 15 million people would definitely take some getting used to.
Tomorrow were going to venture out and have our Turkish bath experience. Even I'm freaked out.
7 comments:
i can barely keep up with you guys you're writing alot this time! so i see you've oppted for the hostel and backpackers inn accomadations AGAIN. you should splurge one night and get a nice room with some air con...
those 'sausages' are remenicent of the ones they have in taiwan. do they rebound in your mouth like a big piece of rubber or gum? mmmm...
like the idea of taking pictures 'together'... keep it up! its a balmy 23 degrees here with a nice breeze... ahhh... enjoy your 39! xoxox *d
*dalyn: Can't keep up, huh? Those naps must eat up a lot of your day. We are writing more than usual. One of the good things about the hotel we're staying in, is that it has a good internet connection. Well, off to the rooftop deck for a reasonably priced $18 beer before dinner.
I agree with dalyn, so sad to hear that you two are slumming it again. You certainly know how to do it up right!
Pictures with you both in them is a "good thing." Thoroughly enjoying the blog & the photos.
Have fun,and you don't need to bring me back that huge diamond, a little smaller one will make me happy!
You guys better be careful with your bare-bones accomodation. Remember: bed bugs look like apple seeds, don't eat rice with flies, and bring flip flops for the shower. Keep your chin up!
I once got stuck on a stalled out train halfway to Versailles. It was 95deg and though every window was open, the odor wafting through the car was vomitous. And yet, I still love France.
Those piles of spices look absolutely amazing!
I agree-the spice photo was my favorite-and $18 beer- damn, the ambiance must be superb!
If I was there, I would be looking for hot pink or luscious turquoise scarves to "harang" around my hips!!!!!!!!!
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