Istanbul

I left Bukowa at 6:30 a.m. Due to my uncle's rather fast driving, we arrived 2 1/2 hours later in Warsaw.

There was no line-up at the Austrian airlines counter. I walk up, smile and first place the small bag to be weighed. Sigh of relief. Then comes the second. I'm 17kg over the alloted weight limit. Again! Damn you British Airways - again.

The nice gentleman suggested I pack everything into the big bag and my usual carry-on will stay with me, but before I get on the plane it will be taken away from me and I won't have to pay.

The big bag weighed 27kg. He smiled at me and said, "If anyone asks, it's 25kg."

Sometimes it helps being a woman. Too bad it wasn't a man in Istanbul in May, maybe I wouldn't have to pay the penalty.

The flight was really enjoyable. The food was disgusting (beef) on the second plane. I did have a stop-over in Vienna, again.

I arrived and I didn't even make it to passport control when I hear my name to come to the information desk.

My ride was already waiting for me!

I get through passport control quickly, since I already had a visa, get my bag and run. He was still standing there.

There were two other people, also from my flight, who were going to a different hotel and were using the same service. Both from Germany, but he spoke Turkish. He warned me about the men again. That body language says more than words. That no and a smile means yes. And to not walk alone after dark.

I arrived at the Paris Hotel & Hostel. Located in Sultanhmed on a side street away from all the pretty hotels. I walk in and it looks like a run-down place. Have to drag my bags to the third floor and I was shocked when I saw my room. Hot, small, the bathroom light doesn't work and the shower is an open floor concept. You just shower.

I got out of there really quickly. I was told the Blue Mosque is just around the corner.

Sure enough. Around the corner from the dungeon of a hotel, I arrive in the heart of old Istanbul. People, stores, tram, music and mosques rising to the sky.

I tried to stick to just one street, but I ended up walking towards the Blue Mosque. There I was stopped by a number of Turkish men. I was good at ignoring them, but if you stop, they just approach you. It's like you have to constantly be moving and I wanted to take some photos.

I called the lady from whom I would be renting a room and told her I'm here. She agreed to save me from my hostel and pick me up at 9 p.m.

With a heavy load off my shoulders, I head further into old Istanbul.

Grand Bazaar main entrance straight ahead. I couldn't resist. I walk through the jewelry isle and glance into the many corridors that lead off from it. Everyone wants you to buy something. Everyone wants to know where you are from. You just cannot glance without a conversation. I fell in love with all the silver and the scarves, but made sure I didn't buy anything today. Next time.

Then I tried to get my grandmother's phone to work in Turkey. Supposedly, the sim-lock was off. WRONG. I can purchase a cheap phone here for the time being and I think I will do that.

I get picked up at 9:00 p.m. and taken to Tuksim. Across a bridge to the other side. What a breathtaking area. High class, clean, new, huge streets with lots of upscale hotels.

The flat is located not far from the sea, up a small street.

The room is on the forth floor of a round staircase with no elevator. I dragged my 27kg bag up four flights of stairs.

I was shocked by what I saw next. Huge space. New bathroom, open space, bar in the hallway with a large mirror and a table, nice kitchen and my room was rather lovely.

It wasn't ready yet. But, it was better than the hostel.

Then I was taken to the fifth floor, which is also ours. There is an office, which we can all use. It is furnished perfectly for inspiration. The landlord is an artist, therefore no surprise. And finally a huge rooftop terrace.

We sat there until my roommates came home. Two girls and a guy. All from around the world. I never lived with roommates and I hope we all get along. They all seem pretty nice and I already enjoy their company. They have all been here for a while now. Two are studying and the third is teaching English. They know Turkish. They understand it. I can't even pronounce it, but was told not to worry, I'll learn something before I leave.

7 weeks.

I lay in bed thinking what am I doing here. How am I going to get around?

How did I get here?

Where did life lead me?

If I was ever told that this is where I would be, I would laugh. I wouldn't believe it. Yet, here I am. No turning back, but going forward.