Istanbul - Pure Magic

Pure magic phenomenon – this is Istanbul. Time travel doesn’t exist, they say and yet each time I view a photograph, review a memory or say the city’s name – I do time travel, at least that’s how it feels. For a city, entwined with its past Ottoman history and 21st developments, traditional routines with modern lifestyles, holding its strong eastern past as it heads into its western future – in the midst of all of this, it is easy to feel lost.

Lost for all the memories passed before this moment and lost for all the exciting, hopeful and questionable future. And yet all one has to do is gaze at (or think about) this body of water - the Bosphorus. In its overwhelming beauty the complete awe and wonder of the world befalls you departing a calm joy, in reminder that it is not lost. It is here with you, slightly different than before, just as you have evolved.

Istanbul 2007 – the reunion with 20 something of my friends from all parts of this world shared in such a strong memorable experience that we have realized our vision to reunite once more in this magical city to share our stories and rediscover the city that we left two years ago. Istanbul – I am ready to meet once again.

For my friends – 603 united we live, travel and dream.