 I was pumped for my two weeks of solo travel in Istanbul. It had, after all, been a very long time since I took a trip without a partner or friend. But after money issues and health problems, I began to wonder if I was no longer cut out for solo travel. Would I be able to enjoy Istanbul alone?      Over the past three months, we have felt nothing but warmth, hospitality, and safety on the Arabian Peninsula – surprising if you follow Western media-created perceptions of this region of the world. As I depart for Turkey, and Bruno for Iran, all we can say is shukran (thank you) Arabia, for teaching us the truth about your culture.  Surprise, blog readers – I’m in Istanbul! And Bruno is in Iran. It’s rather unusual for us not to be traveling together, but there’s been a bit of a complication to our travel plans. Read on for details of why we had to change our travel plans.
 On the eastern edge of the Arabian Peninsula, a pointed tip extends like the horn of a rhino. And on this tip, surrounded by the United Arab Emirates and the Strait of Hormuz and with a view of Iran on a clear day, is a tiny enclave of Oman – the Musandam Peninsula. It is here that one can experience the fjords of Arabia. We did so, from road, mountaintop, and sea.
 Tightly-packed red dunes extend before us, as far as the eye can see. It’s now or never, I think, and nod to Bruno to deflate Totoyaya’s tires. We’re heading into these dunes, into the desert of Arabia. I feel anxious, and for good reason. The deserts of the Arabian Peninsula have been kicking our ass. |
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rcs - Quite the creative thinking on how to get cash!!!
Next article you’ll need to share what you onserved to be the differences between European and Asian Istanbul.
Angie (and Phil) - I loved reading about your solo experience in the fabulous city of Istanbul. I was there teaching for a year, several years ago and though Phil finally arrived from Switzerland, I had plenty of time on my own.
The museums and galleries are first class and the new exhibitions were always exciting and worth a visit. I’m happy you made it to Chora….fantastic mosaics!
Plenty to chat about when we finally get to meet up in a few weeks (or sooner?)and we are very excited at the prospect of meeting you….and catching up with Bruno of course. xx Angie
Brittany - I do love wandering around a European city from time to time! I especially love somewhat being able to blend in and visit unnoticed – it changes from Africa!
Bruno and I have arrived in Cappadocia. It was VERY cold (snowy, in fact) in SE Anatolia, so we sort of sped through. In fact it’s cold here too, but we’re going to try to persevere in order to see the sites. I’m guessing we’ll be heading south at the beginning of May, so indeed, we will see you soon! SO looking forward to it!
Leonie - Wonderful experience Brittany for you to see such extraordinary beauty
Love Leonie
Brittany - Thank you for your kind words, Leonie! I think you and Grampa would really like Istanbul. Hope you find yourselves contemplating adding it to your travel list after reading my blog and seeing the photos.
Louise Jones-Takata - Very nice job Brittany, I will come back to this along with yours and Bruno’s experiences in Turkey as our 3 week trip (Freya & myself) comes into focus this October, Love your food and market images. Louise
Brittany Caumette - Thanks Louise! I didn’t have my usual photographer (or camera) with me for my trip to Istanbul, so I struggled a little bit to get the shots I was looking for. Appreciate the feedback, though! I have sooooo much to share about my time in Turkey, and look forward to doing so over the next weeks. I’m SO happy you and Freya are going to get a chance to discover this amazing country and I will look forward to hearing your thoughts on the place! XXX