Footsteps

Assos and Burgama

Since leaving the town of Çanakkale we have traveled to Assos, near the Greek island of Lesbos. The difference between Istanbul and Assos is extraordinary… my bitter feelings towards Turkey and this culture have been totally flipped. In Assos, our group stayed in a “motel” on the beach, so close I could taste the salt in my mouth every morning I woke up. After gaining a solid sunburn, and great hospitality of the assumed family that ran the motel, I decided I never wanted to leave. 

Sadly, no more photos to post… I have been shooting about three rolls of 35mm color film a day, and last night I finally dragged out the Rolleiflex and I’ve gotten through about 3 rolls since then. The pace of this trip doesn’t necessarily allow for me to actively use the medium format camera, so it’s nice for downtime.

I’ve had more interaction with women lately, which is reassuring. Even if we can’t communicate there is a certain amount of connection through eye contact and facial expressions. I’ve trained myself to be more selective with who I make eye contact with, and when I smile. Photographing people is easier with a language barrier too, which I wouldn’t have guessed.

Tomorrow the group will visit more sites and a museum… the normal routine. I like the in between time the most though :)

Bursa, and Çanakkale

Things have gotten so much better since leaving Istanbul…

Will post soon!

Three Days in Istanbul

I want to like this place so much, but there are parts of the culture that I completely despise. It’s a constant battle everyday to walk on the streets, with an effort to wear “modest” clothing, and avoid being harassing my a man who has either fallen in love with you, wants to help you, or bluntly suggests other things… my place as a woman here, foreign or not, is made clear to me everyday. The city itself is beautiful, and historically amazing to the point that it is overwhelming. It is so rich with sites and culture, it is difficult to absorb all of what Istanbul has to offer. We have gone to big sites such as the Hagia Sohpia, the Blue Mosque, Tokpaki Palace and its Harem, and others, and they are all too great for words, but even in these heavily populated areas of tourism it feels as if there is no safe place. There’s always someone who wants something from you. I want to try to integrate myself into this culture, but there are too many of my own morals holding me back. I am looking forward to leaving the city, and going to the smaller villages where I will hopefully feel free of demeaning eyes and mouths.