Chatted up by a handsome Turk in Bursa

Today we drove to Bursa from Istanbul, with a ferry ride considerably lessening the hours we would have to have driven.

I was captivated by Istanbul: it was big, loud and noisy – a symphony for the senses. Walking around the Topkapi Palace (which is now a museum), through Hagia Sofia and its huge domed ceiling (it reminded me of the Pantheon in Rome) and mosaiced walls, and via the Hippodrome to the Blue Mosque, I was completely in awe of this ancient, beautiful city and its history. Australia is such a young country in comparison (although many will argue that the culture of Aborigines is thousands of years old).

A few hours spent in the Grand Bazaar could easily have turned into a day. Jewellery shops selling diamonds, silver, gold, turquoise lined Gate 1, and the many side streets sold all manner of things: leather, silk scarves, lights, ceramics, souvenirs and momentoes. I could have happily gotten lost, stopping occasionally for a tea, coffee and something to eat.

It was only a short drive to Bursa, after crossing the Bosphorus Bridge into Asia Minor from the European side of Istanbul, and a ferry ride across the Marmera Sea.

It was visiting the Green Mosque in Bursa that I was chatted up. I was taking some photos of the interior of the mosque, and noticed a handsome Turk, reclining on the steps near by, and he asked me if I was a photographer. I said yes, and asked him if he took photos. He replied: no, he was a tiler and was restoring the tiles in the mosque, with gold leaf, and he showed me his work. He said his name was Yunus (which means dolphin).

He asked where I was from (apparently he had a friend who lived in Perth), and if I was with anyone. When I replied that I was alone (but travelling with a group) he suggested that we meet up after dinner (I had already told him I was dining with the group). I said I would think about it and would let him know, and asked for his number (which he happily gave to me). I saw and chatted to Yunus a couple more times after that: once putting on my shoes after exiting the mosque, and another while we were walking to the bus. There was a definite connection!

I did mention this exchange to my Tour Director (Izzet), and he said that “Turkish men are always hungry for women!”. So, I’ll feel flattered that a handsome Turkish man named Yunus wanted to spend some time with me, and leave it at that.

To tell you the truth though, I really was tempted to go out with him. If I didn’t have such an early start tomorrow, and we were staying more than one night in Bursa, I totally would have.

My impressions of Turkey so far:

Alcohol is expensive, and not quite as readily available as in Europe. It may have something to do with the fact that Turkey is a Muslim country, and the Prime Minister is pushing for a more conservative culture.

Turkish men are very attractive and, unlike Australian men who don’t really date, are happy to let their intentions be known! It’s refreshing to be made to feel attractive. Australian men: lift your game!

The food is fresh and delicious.