This morning Jingis was picking us up around ten to take us around the city. On our bikes we went through the streets of Istanbul on this perfect day. The light was bright and soft. The towm showed its honey side.
We went to see mosques, the Haga Sophia Museum and and orthodox church. Afterwards Jingis took us to a very beautiful, atmospheric cafe.
Then we crossed to Taskim. We pedaled along the crowded main pedestrian road, hanging on to passing trams. At some point there was a line of men in suits, we crossed their line and they did not seem too happy about us not going around. Jingis pointed out that we've just seen the maire. On the main square of the neighbourhood there was a small demonstration. Claude was asking Jingis what it is, and he did not reply but just went there. we found ourselves in a tumult of people with cameras and agents explaining that we were in the presence of a minister. Women explained that they collect signatures against violence against them. We were pushed a bit, found ourselves next to the minister- handshaking and cameras clicking. Claude and me felt a bit used.
In the early afternoon we met two french teachers. Jingis had to discuss a cycle project, they want to realize with their students. Here I got a chance to get more information about the politics of the minister we met. It turned out that he is a member of the ruling party, the moderate islamic capitalists. So our guts were right, we've been pr-victims.
In the later afternoon Dursun joined us and later more of his friends pedaled around with us. Six people we were in, the end. Jingis with his whistle leading us through the eavenings heavy traffic. I felt perfectly save with him and even started to get the hang of slaloming between cars and people.
The eavening ended in a nice tea room in on the golden horn.
By sunset I was tried and my head was spinning. An amazing day!
We went to see mosques, the Haga Sophia Museum and and orthodox church. Afterwards Jingis took us to a very beautiful, atmospheric cafe.
Then we crossed to Taskim. We pedaled along the crowded main pedestrian road, hanging on to passing trams. At some point there was a line of men in suits, we crossed their line and they did not seem too happy about us not going around. Jingis pointed out that we've just seen the maire. On the main square of the neighbourhood there was a small demonstration. Claude was asking Jingis what it is, and he did not reply but just went there. we found ourselves in a tumult of people with cameras and agents explaining that we were in the presence of a minister. Women explained that they collect signatures against violence against them. We were pushed a bit, found ourselves next to the minister- handshaking and cameras clicking. Claude and me felt a bit used.
In the early afternoon we met two french teachers. Jingis had to discuss a cycle project, they want to realize with their students. Here I got a chance to get more information about the politics of the minister we met. It turned out that he is a member of the ruling party, the moderate islamic capitalists. So our guts were right, we've been pr-victims.
In the later afternoon Dursun joined us and later more of his friends pedaled around with us. Six people we were in, the end. Jingis with his whistle leading us through the eavenings heavy traffic. I felt perfectly save with him and even started to get the hang of slaloming between cars and people.
The eavening ended in a nice tea room in on the golden horn.
By sunset I was tried and my head was spinning. An amazing day!
