Dear Istanbul,

I know we’ve only known each other for a few days, but in that short amount of time, I’ve really grown to love you.

I love how I never know what to expect from you. Are you Asian or European? (Or both because you’re the only metropolis in the world to straddle both continents). Are you old or are you new? (I love how it’s called the New Mosque, even though it’s practically 400 years old.) Are you Muslim or are you Christian? I just never know with you. What do I call you? Constantinople? Byzantium? Maybe I’ll just call you “Gorgeous”. I love that I can stand practically anywhere, do a 360 and spy a spire or minaret or dome somewhere. I love that I can be walking on marble, then round the corner and see a beautiful cobblestone … Read More »