first of all, the solo travel idea was a complete success.
i enjoyed this more than what i expected. i walked into Istanbul streets and alleys following just my inspiration (when you are an informed traveller who read the guide at least superficially, you can).
i saw that colorful city with all my senses.
i had more time to observe Turkish people everyday life, their habits, and to catch a glimpse of their culture outside very touristic points.
i chose to overnight in the Asian part of Istanbul. a lot of visitors don't even get to walk there, trapped by the highlights of European part.
i wanted to live where there were less tourists and most of all to have the terrific chance to cross the Strait on ferry boats twice a day enjoying the splendor of Sea of Marmara in different lights, and the dolphins swimming near the boats.
i visited all the highlights of the European part as well, because, as i had to discover, when you are a solo traveler you optimize your time without even being aware of it.
even the same day that i arrived from 4pm to 8pm, i already visited Misir Carsisi (the Spice Bazar), Yeni Camii (the New Mosque), Galata Bridge and Eminonu district.
the incredible thing is that i didn't hurried at all.
i never do while traveling as a principle, and besides a photographer NEVER hurries, but takes just the right amount of time to catch the inner beauty of things, no more no less. people ask me why i feel to bring my Reflex everywhere, as if it's a burden or a responsibility. the truth is that i need photography more than photography needs me. it gives me the opportunity to look at the world differently, to find beauty through lights and shapes. it is also a way to have the impression to materialize someway the intangible moment that i live while admiring the Great Beauty of the World.
maybe this maximization of travel time for solo travellers is possible because we use the amount of time usually utilized to give attention and words to the fellow travellers, trying to be amusing and nice, to make them feel they're participating, to give them space, just to enjoy the beauty of the place you're visiting. all your attention is focused on the place. the place will pay you back disclosing different beauties than group travellers.
i embraced surprises and changes very differently as well.
i was sleeping in Hush Hostel Lounge in Kadikoy. the first night i was already hanging out with some roommies Italian guys. we ate a delicious chicken kebab on Asian dock, and speacking with them i discovered that i could visit Kadikoy street art murals. this was not to be found in my guide. which is amazing, i was super happy to find the chance to explore the Asian district nearby my hostel finding out murals in the middle of old wooden houses, colorful streets, markets, blocks of flats.
i think that if i had someone with me, i wouldn't have embraced this so joyfully. first you have to figure out if the other fellow traveler agrees to see something else, i mean, if she or he likes it.
i wasn't so worried to get a little bit lost. i walked randomly in European districts more than once (again: that stuff can be done more safely when you are an informed traveller who is familiar with the map). i felt just the city under my feet. i enjoyed every detail, in every new little street i saw a little world. well, you cannot do that with everyone, and even the most open minded fellow travelers that accompanied me, weren't that convinced about it, or couldn't take it for long.
it was just different. during the years i gladly shared my adventures with friends, boyfriends, family members. i will keep doing it. i was my own's friend. i had more time to form my opinions on what i was seeing.
traveling in company means to see the same place twice, first with your eyes, then with your companions'. even though i am sure that i will repeat the experience of solo travelling again as well, this was the first time but it surely won't be the last time.
