ISTANBUL / MEXICO CITY – As I set out for the Youth Journalism International Global Conference in Mexico, I never anticipated that I would also be exploring the colorful Turkish streets of Istanbul.
But destiny had plans for me, and a lengthy layover in Istanbul turned into an unforeseen adventure.
With ample time on my hands, I ventured out to uncover the great places of the city.
At the airport, I met Anya Farooqui, a fellow YJI student, and Arooj Khalid, a YJI board member and one of the conference leaders. They were traveling from Karachi, Pakistan and took the same connecting flight as I did to Mexico City.
With a dozen hours or more to wait, we left the airport together and headed to Istanbul. We took a bus to Taksim Square in the downtown part of the city.
There, we connected with İpek Eser, a fellow student from Türkiye, who kindly showed us around the city. She took us to various spots, and we enjoyed lunch together. It was great spending time with her and exploring Istanbul.
Our first destination was the renowned Galata Tower, where the magnificent architecture and fascinating history captivated me. The breathtaking views of the city from the tower made me feel as if I was on top of the world.
As we strolled through the lively streets, I fully immersed myself in the vibrant sights, sounds, and fragrances of Turkish culture and cuisine. The intricate designs and vibrant colors of the textiles on display captivated me.
But the highlight of my adventure was yet to come – trying the famous Turkish ice cream, known as Dondurma which I had seen but never thought I would get to try.
I had heard about its unique texture and flavor, but what I didn’t expect was the playful trickery of the ice cream vendors. As I approached the stall, the vendor beckoned me with a smile, promising the best ice cream in Istanbul.
But just as I was about to receive my cone, he snatched it away, pretending to hide it from me until finally he handed me the ice cream with a flourish.
The sweet, caramel flavor and chewy texture were well worth the teasing, and I left the stall with a big smile on my face.
Although my time in Turkey was short-lived, it made a significant impact on me.
As I boarded my onward flight to Mexico, I felt a deep sense of gratitude for the unexpected memories we made in this captivating city.
Little did I realize that this layover would become a standout moment of my journey, serving as a reminder that sometimes the most memorable experiences arise from life’s unforeseen twists and turns.
Mayama Opare is a Reporter with Youth Journalism International from Accra, Ghana. She wrote this commentary.
