Oh my gawd Neddy, I had a laugh reading your post! What a colorful experience, that was funny! Were you travelling with a tour group or on your own? Which part of Turkey is the village at?? That's interesting, I've never heard of the bottle on the roof concept. lol...
So you were at Turkey back when they were still using their million notes! Fortunately for me, I don't have a problem with that anymore cos they've totally shed off those millions! Not a whiz in Math, so I think it'll really do my head if I have to deal with them lol..
You are right, Turkish girls are gorgeous aren't they?! Damnnnn... In Baghdad St, most look like they've just stepped out of the set of Gossip Girls. The guys are equally good looking, at least around my region but they totally lost their charm now as I've grown TOTALLY SICK of Turkish lads well except for my bf hahaha...
I won't disagree with your statement that foreign women must be cautious in Istanbul. I can't remember the number of times I've been chatted up to and asked for my number. I've also been tailed a couple of times and surprise surprise, even my male students tried to hit on me lol... They fancy foreign gals alot it seems. My other foreign gfs had countless of similar encounter as well but hey after a while, we learnt to deal with it. I carry a pepper spray with me around, might need a taser soon muahaha...
Oh yes, tell me about the whole Japanese thingy!! Gawd!!!! SO DAMN ANNOYING!!! I think lotsa Sg gals would love to be mistaken as a Japanese but to someone who hates the whole 'kawaii' thingy and who's proudly Singaporean (though I hate living in Sg, the irony), it's damn irritating! I don't know why they can't think silently instead of having to audibly voice their thoughts out,"Japon, Japon!" It's equally irritating if not worse when they take me for a Chinese (PRC)! I've had one smart mouth telling me,"Ya too tall for a Chinese and too talkative for a Japanese so what are you?" -.-
I can't eat any more Turkish food man... I simply can't. Used to love them but I guess it wasn't true love afterall cos I'm so sick of them now. I brought back 17kgs of Asian food and spices from Sg few days ago haha... I can't afford to pay 27bucks for a plate of authentic Indian mutton briyani anymore! Yes, no kidding - 27 bucks.
Aside from Istanbul, I've been to Eskishehir, Cesme and Marmaris. I've also been to quick day trip to Greece and Cyprus on my own. I love Eskishehir cos the Turks there look rather Asian. They are of the 'Tata' descent and have oriental eyes and sharp features of a typical Turk. I find the combination fascinating. I really love the Tatas Turks for their unique looks. I've had old uncles and aunties studying me there, like I was a wax figure, trying to decide if I'm one of the 'Tatas' or an Asian!
Of coz nothing beats your village experience, I love that. My few Turkish friends are those really liberal bunch and my foreign friends (LOTSA Brits here) rather stick to the modern Istanbul thus I have no one who's keen to explore those village areas with me. As much as I really wanna witness the shocking and fascinating side of the crazily conservative and traditional village cultures, I dare NOT venture there alone lol.. Ya lucky to have an experience worthy of a good story telling session.
Whereabouts are you now Neddy?? Tell me more!