Istanbul is a city of walking but it isn’t kind to us. The city is set along incredibly steep hills which tax the heart just to get there. It is criss-crossed by an extensive public transport system but if you want to get your exercise you will really work out.
In a way it reminded me of “trekking” in Nepal which I thought would be walking like in the Alps but higher. NOT TRUE. It going up and down mountains on thousands and thousands of steps which had been stabbed into the sides of the mountains by villagers. I couldn’t believe that someone as afraid of heights as I would be grateful anytime I came across a suspension pedestrian bridge made of rough planks. I was hoping to find the same in some of these Istanbul hills.
Istanbul is a city of book lovers, much like Paris and Budapest and many other places still alive. I thought this idea of having a blind date with a book ostensibly based on a modicum of information, just enough to peak your interest, would be a fantastic idea. I guess it is the same as your friend saying “she has a wonderful personality, you’ll love her!”
