Pantless Mannequins, Harems and Vistas, Oh My!

Posted on by Valerie Conners

Today’s mantra: This is not a vacation. This is your life.

And that’s a really good thing, trust. That said, I’m growing to realize that wrapping my head around this entire experience, and truly understanding it as my new reality will take a bit of doing — in a good way, of course.

I mean there’s rarely a better reminder that you’re not in Kansas (or Philly) anymore, than a close encounter with the Harem kind (an actual highlight of the Topkapi Palace tour, in fact). And for those who might remember my Morocco trip, no, I did NOT try to pose with the welcoming concubines.

As if a given day couldn’t be filled with anything better than tales of crazed sultans and the women who serve them, I hit up the Grand Bazaar, took a few twists and turns outside into a local shopping mecca, and encountered a sight which will surely haunt me for a good deal of my days.

Nope, can’t unsee this one; there’s no unringing the bell, now known to me as Creepy Pantless Mannequin Child.

For more pics from Day 2 in Turkey — including the Topkapi Palace, check out my recently added photos on Flickr.

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5 thoughts on “Pantless Mannequins, Harems and Vistas, Oh My!”

  1. maybe that young fellow heard you were going to be in town and wanted to remind you of good old mannequin pis.

    1. clearly, that’s what he was hoping. he peed in a fountain shortly thereafter.

  2. Sorry to miss you while in Istanbul but looks like you had a great time! Glad you made it to some shops outside the Bazaar – I find them much more interesting and less touristy. Also love seeing the Harem at Topkapi, but I’ve now been 3 times and have sat out the last few guests’ visits. Happy travels around the rest of Turkey!

  3. That’s hysterical – “now known to me as Creepy Pantless Mannequin Child.”
    🙂
    And to your point about this being “not a vacation.” but “your life” … I think that fact just hit me as well. I mean, 7 months, that’s a long time – vacations don’t normally last that long. I thought, “this is Val’s life. HOLY COW.”

    I know. Duh. I’m totally slow on this one. LOL.

    Enjoy lady! More, more, more ..

  4. Thanks for the bday wishes sweet tweet! I’m lovin the photos, and hope you and the Nanj are doin’ well! Tell that bama I said what’s up!

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