In the streets of Istanbul.. The last two days were hectic with the work I had to do and number of times I went to Levent area where Microsoft HQ is. But that wasn’t a big pain when I woke up at 8 am on Fridayball ready and set to explore Istanbul. The city that I always said I will retire in.
The last two days were amazing I must say. I have seen a lot of countries around the world, lived with their people, took their cabs, and talked to their middle/high class people. Just like I was impressed with e taxi drivers in China who would give you back exact change to their 10 miles trip where the meter charges less than couple of dollars. They are not expecting any change or tip from you.
Turkey was the same, as a matter of fact, it was better. I took at least two cabs, one of them did not have change to my 20 turkish lira and he took the change I had although I still owed him money and did not ask for anything. He was ok with that. The other taxi driver did not have change for a bigger note and was still happy with 1 Turkish lira less. It’s not about the lira or two less as much as the behavior that these taxi drivers had. They weren’t looking for more, or looking at me like, yeah right you should have brought a change with you. It was completely opposite. It was a that’s alright, welcome to turkey sort of behavior which I appreciate a lot.
Another incident that happened with me yesterday was when the bus metro station machines were not taking any change at all, and I had to have their special token thing. I looked at a guy as he was passing the entrance and I asked him in whatever body language that I have I’d he is ok with taking 2 Turkish lira from me in cash and letting me in in return. The guy said something I did not understand and did not look like he was really offering help. So I looked at the other side looking for another passenger until I hear the guy shouting a calling me to come in. He opened the door, did not take accept to take the money or even discuss it. I was amazed with his behavior..
Sipping a cup of coffee right now waiting for my breakfast o be served before I continue my Istanbul journey.
Coffee in Istanbul
