An Adventurer for Travel, is that you? Do places hold romance and memories?

I discovered Turkey before it became popular.
My stepfather hated the place. I suppose I was a rebel. I had an invitation to go to Istanbul.
I suppose I was contrary too, my step father said…If you go to Turkey, you will get your throat cut!
I was on the next plane. In those days, airports were somewhat primatibe I didnt’t really know what to expect. When. I saw people climbing the wire mesh caging the airport. I was full of trepidation.
My first student was an older lady, and a teacher in Istanbul. She met me off the plane to my relief. She lived in Uskudar, quite a poor area but next to the sea. The Princess tower of Isandra is in Uskudar: built for the Princess as a fortune teller had told the Sultan his daughter would die from a snake bite. Her Prince swam to the tower every night with fruit and flowers, but in the fruit was an asp, and it bit her and she died.
Every night, we walked to the sea front to watch the sunsets, over the Bosphorus to the tower.
I suppose my stepfather, being in the navy, frequented bars and dangerous port stops where sailors got drunk or into fights.

I began a long romance with Istanbul and Turkey. People were polite, hospitable and kind.
We had to travel the coast to Izmir as my friend had a summer course to attend for teachers.
All science subjects were taught in English.

Of course, I wore a head scarf as a single lady and adapted to their culture.
Travel was by ship and coach, and took several days. We visited Efes, Bodrum and Kusadasi, which were fairly small in comparison to today.
One summer, I sold coats in Kusudesi to tourists, and traveled a bit more.

Kusadasi on the Agean coast

Uskudar, Leander’s Tower

What were your best adventures? Did you enjoy your teens and twenties? I loved discos and nightclubs.
In Bodrum, where I stayed, there was an open-air disco on the cliff tops. And the restaurants and clubs in Istanbul are open to the Bosphorus sea,
Of course, belly dancers encouraged us all.
The sea and sun, white sandy beaches and open-air life are magic, plus invitations to yachts and swimming in blue seas. The east can be exciting in comparison to the cold English sea and gray skies.

Night club in Istanbul

Turkey Nightlife EXPOSED 🍑🔥 | Sexy Turkish Girls, Clubs & Wild Parties in Istanbul

It’s wild, great fun!
And of course my favorite game, Backgammon, everyone plays it.

The Four Lads - Istanbul (not Constantinople)

Brooklyn Funk Essentials - Istanbul Twilight

Rihanna - Umbrella (Lyrics) ft. JAY-Z

Everywhere you go in Istanbul, you have Western music.

Where is your magic place, and your best memories?
My hometown is now considered dangerous at night, and I have to be more aware both night and day. Times appear to have changed,
I would not necessarily consider the immigrants responsible for any dangers after reading the local press.

So, post music, memes, and images that reflect good memories and chat with friends.
Most of all, enjoy!
Do you consider the world a different place?

And a very happy Valentine’s Day to everyone here at LFE!
Have a wonderful day with all those you love, four legs and two legs!

Lian and Kieran