Map of Istanbul, Turkey

Two of my peach picking partners are (or were) in Turkey for a while. Come to think of it, two others were in Paris. Hey. I want to pack my bags and use my passport.

I love this postcard of the map of Istanbul. I suppose if you've been there, the different neighborhoods hold different meanings - some are good for shopping, some are historic, some are the big touristy hotel areas, some are dark and mysterious and potentially dangerous for tourists. I haven't a clue about any of them.

Mostly it's the bosphorous I notice. Not exactly sure why, but I have always been fascinated by this narrow strip of blue. Perhaps it's because of the thin connection between Europe and Asia, the narrowness of the strait from the Black Sea to the Sea of Marmara and ultimately to the Aegean and Mediterranean Seas. Whichever. Bucket list alert!

Howdy In and From Turkey

My brother's name is Howard, but we call him Howdy. This postcard is from his time traveling Europe with his friend, Dave. Howdy is 6'4", Dave at least 6'5" and both are extremely handsome - my brother, with brown hair and dimples and Dave, with a great booming voice and very blond hair. They were 22 or 23 years old. I can only imagine how they stood out, especially in Turkey.

This card is proof that Howdy, indeed, has flown before. He has a flying phobia and I don't think he's been on a plane in 20 or more years. It also demonstrates how clearly a postcard is a mini-glimpse of a person's personality. There's no space (and no expectation) for much more than a glimpse, which is just the right amount, in most cases.

Howdy is competitive, in a wonderful, almost gentle, way. Proof: "I was thinking about you as how you are the "exotic" one in the family. You now have a partner." He is very funny, with a dry sense of humor. Proof: "By being here I now want to continue into the land of the unknown. The problem is my money is running out and I need to be home in time for the Xmas reimbursements." and "I'd rather be in Istanbul."

Once, Howdy and I went to Zihuatanejo together. We stayed in a rustic resort, with stone stairways cut into the cliff and two hammocks off every room. He is a wonderful traveling partner, with a more exotic sense of adventure than you might expect. I hope he does some traveling again, some day, as it's good for him!