Dear Istanbul,

The other day someone was telling me that they didn’t like you so much. Look, I understand how someone is simply not a good fit for a place (see pretty much all my blogs on China), but it made me really think about what it is that I like about you.

Yes, your traffic is rage inducing and your store aisles are ridiculously tiny. Also, it wouldn’t hurt if people here were more aware of others around them (this is my personal space bubble, that is yours). And there isn’t so much green space; a few more parks would be nice. But just when I think it’s a bit too much, I will catch a glimpse of the moon’s light floating on the Bosphorus, or hear the call to prayer and then you have charmed me once again.

Cafes, restaurants, galleries, museums, and cobblestone alleyways cluttered with all types of street art continue to inspire. But it’s more than just the places. It just feels like you are full of opportunities and bursting with small secrets waiting to be discovered.

People ask me how long I see myself with you. It’s a funny question for me because I simply don’t know. There have been times when you have made my heart sing and as a result, it makes me think about all of the things I could and want to do with my life. But at the exact same time, I am just content to stroll and see the sun glisten off a golden relic of days gone by.

Oh Istanbul. You sure aren’t perfect, but right now, you are perfect for me.

Claire