Arts and Culture, Europe, Istanbul, Turkey

Pantless Mannequins, Harems and Vistas, Oh My!

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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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I am a writer, digital content producer and editor who has chosen to pursue location independence, intent on living a life I love -- a life extraordinary. I'm happiest when traipsing through a new locale, lounging on Thai island beaches and bargaining for bangles in Indian markets.

5 Comments

  1. Jenn says:
    October 4, 2010 at 7:07 pm

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

  2. Meg Nesterov says:
    October 5, 2010 at 1:41 am

    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. RaniRo says:
    October 5, 2010 at 10:20 am

    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. JKacz says:
    October 5, 2010 at 2:41 pm

    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!