Istanbul (not Constantinople!)

Istanbul is crammed with so much great architecture, history, people, food and art that it’s impossible to explain it all. So better to just explain my feelings.

In 2002 I had this crazy idea that I’d ride around the world on a motorcycle. Maybe it wasn’t so crazy but it was long a dream to travel around the world. With my passion of writing, photography, history and meeting new people it was a perfect plan. I’d sell everything I didn’t absolutely need including my car, home furnishings and just stuff that I accumulated and then head out on the road. Originally I thought I’d leave in July 2004, but a mild set back put that plan off by a year. On July 4, 2005 I was on my way. Without a home and only a motorcycle packed with way too much stuff.

Here nearly three years later I sit at the confluence of two continents. There were milestones I had conjured up in my mind: Alaska at the top of the world; Tierra el Fuego at the bottom. I’d always wanted to see Buenos Aires and the Amazon River. I’d dreamed of Namibia and the great sea of sand. Victoria Falls and Lake Malawi. Of course the Serengeti and the Sudan. The pyramids? Let’s not forget Petra.

But Istanbul? I remember cursing the country watching Alan Parker’s Midnight Express and yet I still wanted to see “for myself.” Getting caught up in the speed of life for so many years these dreams and milestones never left me. So while many people talk about doing something they’ve always dreamed of, I felt it was time to stop talking and dreaming and just get on with it.

Now I sit in Istanbul. Sure, there is more of the world I want (and will) to see. But it’s time to go home and continue to share my experiences and what I’ve seen, learned and felt over the years I’ve been on the road. I know I’ve inspired many who are planning their own trips or just setting out on new adventures regardless of whether they entail traveling. Just do what you want to do and believe in yourself. You can do it. The only person stopping you from doing it — is you!

So as I wander through history and exploring the Ayasofya, Topkapi Palace, Basilica Cistern, Blue Mosque and the giant Bazaar I wonder how I can bring the excitement I feel while cruising this sites and the streets of the city. So rather than labor on about the sites, I’ve decided to mix it up a bit and present some of my favorite images to an old-time swing song about this fabulous city.

I hope you enjoy.