Turkey

Istanbul

I’m staying in Istanbul for a while. By the end of the week I’ve got to make a firm decision. Meanwhile, I mill about and get to know the town. I walk through the old winding streets of the city and play my flute. (Wanderer, page 289)

Big city life in Istanbul is way too hectic and expensive for me. I must make a decision. I’ve been considering different possibilities―from trekking home through Europe to continuing east to Afghanistan, maybe to India and as far as Nepal. Oh the conflicts of my choices. (Wanderer, page 290)

“I’m leaning on going East. I received these letters from back home and I think they may have helped me decide. I don’t think I’m ready to return to that life right now. I yearn to wander some more, to get new experiences.” (Wanderer, page 291)

Lad and I hang out together for the last time. We visit the huge, cavernous church of St. Sophia. This is the great church of Eastern Roman Christendom. Huge circular emblems of Koranic verse have been placed high up on the vaulted ceiling in order to Muslimize this Christian edifice. Lad and I play our final flute session together. We’ve had many good times. I will miss his company. (Wanderer, page 292)

Next day, I visit the Iranian Consulate. I’m applying for a transit visa to cross Iran where I can get an Afghani visa. (Wanderer, page 291)

I’m going on a solitary walk, an extended wandering tour. I walk across a long bridge, pass many pedestrians. This bridge crosses the ‘Golden Horn’ waterway, connecting the old city with the modern-day city. (Wanderer, page 290)

Istanbul – crowded cityscape

The Bosphorus Channel

I’m tying up my loose ends today. Tomorrow, early in the morning I will be on a train heading East. I write letters and mail them back home, letting my people know my plans. (Wanderer, page 292)

Mersin, Turkey on the Mediterranean Sea

Istanbul, Turkey

Erzurum, Turkey