Helloooo everyone and welcome to my somewhat inconsistent blog, ineptly titled after my dog Barnaby, and his hoped for but not realized life in Istanbul with me while I completed a two year Masters. Well, now, at the end of my Masters, Barnaby has yet to make it to the 'Bul, as we call it. However, I thought I could at least keep posting so he can see all the pretty pictures and know what I've been up to - and you all as well!
I've always wanted to run a marathon. I can't quite say why exactly. Maybe just for bragging rights. So I'm running with the HRC marathon team in this year's Marine Corps Marathon, and have been dubbed with the "furthest distance" award by our Coach in d.c.. So in my last few weeks in Istanbul, as summer really starts to heat up, I have been starting the training program here on the shores of the Bosphorus. (insert beautiful pictures of the Bosphorus found on google)....
Training programs usually have short runs throughout the week to keep you in shape and long runs on the weekend that slowly get your ready for the marathon. I start in Beşiktaş and run up the Bosphorus most days, and each Sunday gets me a little further up the Bosphorus to a new landmark. Today was 8 miles and took me to the TAPS brewery in Bebek, though sadly, I did not stop for a mid-run beer at 11 in the morning.
So about the photos. They aren't mine. It is hard enough carrying enough water, keys, spare change for more water and an ipod on the runs, so I have cheated and posted nice un-sweaty photos taken by professionals and the like. But you get the idea, I run by beautiful landmarks such as the Cırağan Palace (not converted into a hotel, but still a palace), the Ortaköy mosque (above and below), two lovely bridges (ok I havent made it to the second bridge yet, but I think next week'll get me there), and LOTS and lots of amateur fisherman who a) think I am very amusing to be intentionally exerting myself in the heat and b) threaten all walker-byers with the possibility of being hooked with one of their lines.
So one thing I have noticed as it gets hotter out is the frequency by which people spontaneously throw themselves into the Bosphorus. At first it was only young adolescent boys, but has grown to include questionably respectable middle aged men (and women! woo hoo!). Below is a photo of the annual trans-Bosphorus swim, just to give you an idea of what these people look like. actually the people I see swimming in the Bosphorus are far less impressive and goal-oriented. but I digress.
In reality, my runs along the Bosphorus are not as idyllic as these photos make them seem. Don't get me wrong, it is one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen, but running along the streets is somewhat akin to an urban obstacle course, which arguably, makes it much more exciting and passes the time, as one's attention is given to avoiding street vendors, insane-O drivers, mystified spectators (it is quite strange for anyone, let alone a woman, to run around for no reason), pedestrians with erratic walking patterns, and of course, the inevitable really, really slow people who take up the whole of a sidewalk. This is their privilege and prerogative as pedestrians! but it does make keeping one's eyes and ears open quite fundamental to survival. Some days I almost prefer it this way. No chance of getting bored!
But really, with a view this amazing, who can complain?
Now, thank you for reading this post. Most of my posts are just as I said earlier, for you to enjoy and get a little sense of Istanbul life. However, this post is a little different...you have the chance to make a difference (and help me make a difference).
If you want to contribute to the ever-important cause of working to improve the equality and rights of gay people through HRC, please please please donate. Even if it's just $5, it will all help me get to my goal (which I am about $1,000 short of at the moment and have to reach in the next month in order to qualify). and thank you to all those who have already donated!!!!
http://action.hrc.org/site/TR/Events/AthleteforEquality?px=4102999&pg=personal&fr_id=1060#.T_nb_5FJuJQ
I've always wanted to run a marathon. I can't quite say why exactly. Maybe just for bragging rights. So I'm running with the HRC marathon team in this year's Marine Corps Marathon, and have been dubbed with the "furthest distance" award by our Coach in d.c.. So in my last few weeks in Istanbul, as summer really starts to heat up, I have been starting the training program here on the shores of the Bosphorus. (insert beautiful pictures of the Bosphorus found on google)....
Training programs usually have short runs throughout the week to keep you in shape and long runs on the weekend that slowly get your ready for the marathon. I start in Beşiktaş and run up the Bosphorus most days, and each Sunday gets me a little further up the Bosphorus to a new landmark. Today was 8 miles and took me to the TAPS brewery in Bebek, though sadly, I did not stop for a mid-run beer at 11 in the morning.
So about the photos. They aren't mine. It is hard enough carrying enough water, keys, spare change for more water and an ipod on the runs, so I have cheated and posted nice un-sweaty photos taken by professionals and the like. But you get the idea, I run by beautiful landmarks such as the Cırağan Palace (not converted into a hotel, but still a palace), the Ortaköy mosque (above and below), two lovely bridges (ok I havent made it to the second bridge yet, but I think next week'll get me there), and LOTS and lots of amateur fisherman who a) think I am very amusing to be intentionally exerting myself in the heat and b) threaten all walker-byers with the possibility of being hooked with one of their lines. | |
| Ortaköy mosque at night |
In reality, my runs along the Bosphorus are not as idyllic as these photos make them seem. Don't get me wrong, it is one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen, but running along the streets is somewhat akin to an urban obstacle course, which arguably, makes it much more exciting and passes the time, as one's attention is given to avoiding street vendors, insane-O drivers, mystified spectators (it is quite strange for anyone, let alone a woman, to run around for no reason), pedestrians with erratic walking patterns, and of course, the inevitable really, really slow people who take up the whole of a sidewalk. This is their privilege and prerogative as pedestrians! but it does make keeping one's eyes and ears open quite fundamental to survival. Some days I almost prefer it this way. No chance of getting bored!
But really, with a view this amazing, who can complain?Now, thank you for reading this post. Most of my posts are just as I said earlier, for you to enjoy and get a little sense of Istanbul life. However, this post is a little different...you have the chance to make a difference (and help me make a difference).
If you want to contribute to the ever-important cause of working to improve the equality and rights of gay people through HRC, please please please donate. Even if it's just $5, it will all help me get to my goal (which I am about $1,000 short of at the moment and have to reach in the next month in order to qualify). and thank you to all those who have already donated!!!!
http://action.hrc.org/site/TR/Events/AthleteforEquality?px=4102999&pg=personal&fr_id=1060#.T_nb_5FJuJQ
