April 24, 2012

Literature

Here are the books I’m currently reading in preparation for education and to gather ideas of where to go and what not to miss:

“Rick Steves’ Istanbul” – I started with this book because I’ve seen some of Rick Steves’ shows, and I liked that this particular book was written by two women who are from Istanbul.  I am currently about 1/3 of the way through it and using it just as an introduction to the city’s top historical sites to see.

“Istanbul: Memories and the City” by Orhan Pamuk – I borrowed this one from a friend. It’s a portrait of Istanbul written by somebody who was born and raised there.  I’m not very far into it, but thus far I’m already learning quite a bit about how the fall of the Ottoman Empire really affected the people of Istanbul. In addition, I love his descriptions of the city.

Insight Guides, “Istanbul: Step by Step” – I actually only bought this book because it has a map in it of Istanbul that I put on my bedroom wall for inspiration.  I couldn’t find a map without a book unfortunately.  But I think it’ll be fun to explore some of the walks of the city.  I haven’t started it yet though.

“Byzantine Istanbul: A Self-Guided Tour” by Robert van den Graven – I haven’t started reading this one yet, but I think it’s not going to be your typical run-of-the mill tour book.  There seems to be a lot more history, which I will thoroughly enjoy.

These will probably be enough for a while, but do any of you have other suggestions?  Even web-sites I should check out? (Keep in mind that I’m not only going to Istanbul…see a future post for more information on that topic).

April 24, 2012

Call me the Over Planner

You are going to call me crazy. You’re going to say, “what? You’re planning a trip that you’re not even taking for over a year?”.  I am aware. But, hear me out.  Yes, I’m not planning to go to Turkey until May 2013 (in order to save $$ and accrue time off from work), but I’m planning this far ahead for a couple of reasons:

a)  To keep my eye on the prize, to stay excited and focused for this trip which will help me to save my money for it.  It’s easier to save money for something when you’re fully engaged in what you are saving for.

b) Because sometimes you just need a goal to keep your mind focused on. Don’t get me wrong, I have plenty of things I’m thinking about in the “now” moment of my life, but it’s nice to have something big to look forward to.

c) To learn as much about the parts of Turkey I will visit so that I don’t just go as a tourist. I go as an explorer, an academic, and a tourist.

d) To learn some basics of the language before I get there.

I’m hoping this blog will provide the following:

a) A place for me to write down ideas and keep organized with everything I’m learning about and planning before the trip comes. That way, I can look back on my notes when the trip is closer.

b) A place for my friends and people who have been to Turkey to give suggestions.  I was more than shocked to learn how many people I know have been to Turkey, and I’d like to get all of your suggestions- everything from where to stay to what not to eat.  For example, today at Powell’s book store, I was purchasing a book on Istanbul when the clerk told me that when I go to Cappadocia, I should not stay at Gorem but instead should stay at Uchisar.  Something for me to look into, anyways.