ONE YEAR IN ISTANBUL

Amazing how time flies. Been in Istanbul for a year but I've been heavily distracted with work and family and never took time to just breathe and take in the city so I decided I was gonna mark my first year in the city by visiting some historical sights I hadn't been to.

Thankfully I had one of my colleagues with me so I wasn't enjoying the trip alone and if I was gonna miss my way, I had company and we'd figure it out together. I had missed my way so many times in the past year so I wasn't bothered anymore. 

We started the day with a visit to Grand Bazaar, one of the largest markets in the world with thousands of shops and dozens of streets. It's existed since the 15th century. The trick is to get there early before the place gets crowded. If you want to visit, I suggest you browse through different shops if you see an item you like and get a good bargain. And it's quite easy to locate. A train ride from Mecidiyekoy to Aksaray and then few minutes walk to where we took a tram to Grand Bazaar. We got hungry after feasting our eyes on some lovely items and stopped by the Historical Subasi Restaurant to have lunch. The food is good but pricey and why not? It's got history written all over it, trophies and photographs. And the staff were great. It's also been passed down from generation to generation and we got to meet the current owners.
Next stop was the Hagia Sophia. And apparently, a favourite for hundreds as people kept trooping in to the first church that was later turned to a mosque and then a museum. The experience was everything. Renovations were being done is some parts of the building. Would not mind visiting again.
The Blue Mosque was just few minutes walk from The Hagia Sophia so we joined the long queue. Took us over an hour to make it inside and we had to take off our shoes. Once we were in, we were told we needed to be quick as they were about to close. It's breathtaking from the outside and was built in the 16th century by the Sultan Ahmet so it holds great significance especially cos it has six minarets. It's open to visitors at certain times during the day cos it's still used for prayers. And if you're wondering why it's called the Blue Mosque, it's cos the interior has bluish decoration. There are a couple of historical sites in that same area we could not get to cos of time but we will another day. What an awesome ride this past year has been. Can't wait to experience more of Turkey and share my experiences with you.

With my colleague Kaitlyn

Hagia Sophia

The Blue Mosque

Istanbul Aquarium - Photo Speak

First stop in my Turkey journeys.... Istanbul Aquarium. I'm going to let the pictures tell the story.... and just say two things. My kids enjoyed it way more than I did. Next time I go, would be without them so I can have a wholesome experience. Lol. Durban's was much more gratifying. This was quite a worthy destination cos one can easily navigate through various sections from the Black sea.... Red sea..... Pacific ocean..... rain forest....... and the list goes on. Quite some historical info all through. To crown the day, we went bowling and though I did not emerge as the winner, it was quite a fun experience.

FEW SURPRISES ABOUT TURKEY

When I told some friends I was relocating, first question was it's a Muslim country... how would you cope? They are arresting journalists there. Well journalists face dire circumstances in many countries. It's part of the job. I must confess my first question was what's the mode of dressing????
Well sorry to disappoint many people including moi. I was shocked when I got here and life in Istanbul is totally different from what is imagined by many people. The women are not all covered in hijab. Mode of dressing is very western. Of course there are many who wear the hijab but also many who dress like they do in other parts of the world. I hear there are cross dressers as well. Not seen any yet.
So this post if you haven't caught on yet is to share few pleasant surprises I have experienced since I got here.

I misplaced my earpiece in a shuttle bus. I only realised when I had alighted. I thought to myself, I will just get a new one. Well imagine my surprise when luckily the following day I entered same bus and the earpiece had been placed over the seat in front of where I had sat the previous day. Despite the fact that lots of people had used same bus in 24 hours, it was right there waiting for me and someone was kind enough to even keep it in an obvious position.

The old men are very strong. You will see them building houses...and doing strong stuff. When we got new furniture... a truck delivered them. Guess who showed up with the truck? Old men. And they climbed to the third floor with heavy load more than twice. I was like what?!

When you need help, Turkish men will leave what they are doing to show you what to do. No give me ten minutes please or will show you later. Nope. Let's get it done now. Now imagine if you live in Ankara where I hear has more friendly people.
One was too friendly he very near turned into a stalker. Invited him over for tea. No. He invited himself over and he taught us how to make Turkish Cay(tea). Gave us drinks and even a potty for the kids. Lol.
I read comments on some Facebook groups on posts from people requesting for help on things like taking in a stray cat or looking after their pets while they are away. And people are always willing to help. Overdose of niceness.

The residents here are obsessed with flowers on Sundays. They sell everyday but Sundays are extra special. I don't know why. When I asked, one of them had no idea. When I do know, will let you in on it. And then I got surprised with a bunch one day. It smelt divine. I would want flowers every single day.

We will delve into the art scene, beaches, malls, cultural heritage, historical sites, film industry in coming months discovering why Turkey is the center of the world. Watch this space.
One thing to note... no one is trying to impress anyone. They live a simple life. The expensive stuff here are foreign of course with good or not so good reasons. Have any fun surprises of your own about the country? Do share in the comment section.
Cheers!!!!

One thing I do need to write about are Nigerian churches in Turkey. Story for another day.

Cay Tea

Movie time

Fruit shop

Fruit shop

View of some houses. Houses here look alike

Flowers

MOVING TO ISTANBUL FROM NIGERIA? SOME ESSENTIAL TIPS

I watched a movie last year. The Ottoman Lieutenant. I loved it despite the negative reviews you would find online.... I was drawn to it cos of the fictitious love story hinged on history. I found it fascinating. If the history was twisted, I do not know  I enjoyed this particular movie just as a movie without its undertones. After seeing the movie, I was curious to know more so I decided to go online to read more about it and that led me to reading about Istanbul's history. Little did I know that it would soon become my reality. Istanbul, a major city in Turkey that reflects cultural influences of many empires. I wanna share few tips that would help... when you find yourself relocating to Istanbul. It sure did help me especially as there's little to prepare you online of what you might likely face.

First tip:
Ensure you keep checking how much your luggage weighs before leaving for the airport. If you don't have a scale at home, have a Ghana must go bag handy for your trip. This is for if your luggage needs to be split at the airport, if it weighs more than required. Or have sufficient cash to pay for excess luggage.
Second tip:

If you are going to be staying in Turkey for a long time, don't pack so many clothes. You can buy clothes in Turkey. You'd find affordable ones here. Less clothes will give you much needed space to carry Nigerian food that you will surely miss when you leave. The African shops don't sell everything and some items are pricey.
Third tip:

Connect with someone who can help even before you touch down. A friend, an acquaintance, someone who has been in the city for sometime and can advice on certain things. They can show you around and point you in the right direction.

If you are on your own and have no one, get a sim card and data. You would need it to use Google maps which is highly useful if you want to move around. Or download an app called Trafi.

Get a city card as well. You would need it for the bus, train and ferry. One card can be used for all public transportation. If that is not your thing and you have the cash to spend, if you don't have it already, download the Uber app and book rides to where you want to go.

Getting around can be a hassle especially when you don't speak the language and you get lost and need to ask for directions. What can come handy is Google maps. Most of the locals are friendly and you can ask them while using Google translate. I must add, sometimes Google translate fails to directly translate the right words you are trying to communicate. It failed each time we needed to communicate with the landlord, and then the neighbours, and the painter. And vice versa. Have a middle man who understands English and Turkish that you can call without them feeling you're a pest? Sure, go for it.

Fourth tip:
If you are going to be settling in, don't be in a hurry to get an apartment. You'd come across different types. If you hate exercise, you definitely don't want to be climbing many hills to your house. And some agents are looking to just make their fee and would eagerly pass off any house. Months later you might see a nicer place and regret your decision. Some of the houses have really old furniture so do take your time to get something really good if you prefer a furnished apartment. There are also other things you need to think about. Like distance from metro and shopping malls, schools, if you have a family......etc.
Fifth tip:
Not eager to learn the language but want to be able to say thank you, please, hello, have a good day, et cetera.....? Download a language app so you can learn how to say certain things in Turkish.
Sixth tip:
When going up to your apartment, don't allow anyone in that you don't know as a neighbour thinking they live in the building too. Let them get in with their own key. Don't let them in. Could be a thief who plans to rob you once both of you enter the building.
Final Tip:
The Nigerian currency is so bad. Don't drive yourself nuts by constantly comparing costs of things you purchase or services you pay for in Turkey with the local currency back home.
I would like to add:
Download an app: "letgo" if you wanna buy certain things at giveaway prices or join certain groups on Facebook. Brace up to seeing many cats on the streets. They are no witches. Big dogs as well. They are totally harmless. In need of some Nigerian food? Locate the African shops to buy stuffs from home.
Stay sane. Stay sharp. Avoid walking late. Best to take an Uber home if staying out late.
Join a social group you can hang out with occasionally. Would make your stay more exciting and don't forget to carry your own cash to pay for what you eat and drink during outings. Leave Naija method back home. Lol.

Cheers!