Who wears short shorts?

Trip Start Sep 04, 2008

Trip End Ongoing

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Where I stayed

Saray Otel

Flag of Turkey Bursa, Turkey
Monday, September 8, 2008

Left Istanbul today, but before I left I checked out the areas not san�t�zed for the tour�st. Not quite the same views once I left Sultanameht. Took a hidrofoil over to Yalova, then a bus 60 km to Bursa. On the bus talked to a younger gal whose family then gave me a ride into central Bursa. She is going to Hungary to go to dental school, at the behest of her dad, who also happens to be a dent�st. The guy next to me did not speak english but showed me a picture in the local rag of Bush dressed in Russian garb holding a toy missile and Cheney in the Dr. Evil pinky pose. The driving in the city is a little different, watch out kids!

Walking around town, noticed I was the only one wearing shorts. Actually, did see one other guy in shorts and he appeared a little light in the loafers. Ignoring the catcalls from local teens I beelined to the nearest hotel, went out looking for dinner with a pair of pants and reacquired manhood

Bursa

. Found a local spot serving Iftar (meal that breaks the fast) and sat down with a stranger. I have been fasting as well, although mine has less to do with strict religious observance, and more with me religiously observing the contents of my wallet. Excellent meal and a good break from the ubiquitous kebap. No english spoken between us, or anyone else for that matter. Met one guy who spoke english well, "Would you like a carpet?" "No hablo ingles."

Getting a few looks here. City is roughly one million, literally have not seen another non-Turk. Everyone still accommodating though. Going to check out the mountains tomorrow, where they ski in the winter.

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