Asia

I'm a Hero/Heroine: It's Really No Big Deal (But It Is)

I'm pretty much a heroine. No, not the drug you ignorant cracks... the female hero kindNot to brag or anything, but I'm a savior, some might call me a prophet of sorts. I'm humbled, really. My humbleness comes from my hero stature. Did you catch that though? I'M A HERO. Please, save your applause. Any of you would have done it if you were in my position. It was nothing really, I just did what I had to do. Just casually hero-ing out here. No big deal. 

So how exactly am I a hero? Well, as the courageous big sister that I am, I stopped a full-on robbery from happening right before my eyes. Ok, this might be a little dramatic (but not really). Here is how I saved a life on a casual Saturday....

 

Heroines Need Sleep

As the heroine that I am, I needed my beauty rest. If I wasn't rested, I might not have been able to save my brother, so this part is important. I guess it would also be important to mention that about a month ago, my brother went on a solo-trip to Thailand. I told him to go to Indonesia, but he didn't listen to me. You'll soon see what happens when y'all don't listen to me. So he's off in Thailand, and I'm gaining my beauty rest, unaware that I'm about to save the world. It's early Saturday morning, and I get a call from my brother. I see it and ignore it...heroines can do that. I just figured I would call him back once I was up, alert, and aware. I never get to sleep in anymore *whining* I hate adulting.

When this man called me again, my spidey-senses started to tingle. He never calls twice unless its an emergency. I arose from my slumber ready for action, "what's wrong?!" I worriedly asked. As the gracious brother that he is, he apologized for waking me up early, I assured him it's a heroine's job to be there, not on the first, but the second call. He agreed. Formalities aside, I came to understand that my brother had been robbed in Thailand. Concerned, I asked if he was alright to which he claimed he was fine, just broke.

 

Heroines are Understanding

To understand how exactly my brother was robbed, you'll need to understand my brother. He's a wanderer, just like me, so he's adventurous enough. I know I'm on here giving you all tips on how to travel lightly, but this man is the epitome of a minimalist when it comes to travel. I usually venture off with a carry-on, but this man will leave the country with a backpack. Think a Jansport, a NorthFace, you know, the thing you carried throughout your 12 years of schooling. Yeah that. He literally gives no F***s. Inside he might have a pair of shoes, a couple shirts, a couple undergarments, and possibly another pair of pants...possibly. He's just out here living his best life, and I love him for it. 

So I can't necessarily tell you the details of the robbery because it's still under investigation. I'm totally lying; I barely remember the details because I was half asleep when he told me. Here's what I do recall: He was about to go on an excursion of sorts where you leave your bags with an attendant (maybe it was a water sport?). When he came back to grab his backpack (you know, the one with his whole life in it), everything seemed in order. It wasn't until he took a ferry to another island and attempted to rent a motorbike that he realized he had no money. All of his money was gone, although all of his other possessions were still in tact.

The attendants at the excursion had rummaged through his bag and stolen his money. Where was this money? Two zipper pouches deep in the bookbag. You have to unzip two zippers once you open the bookbag to actually find the money. Homies weren't playing no games. Since my brother travels like I do, with a good amount of cash, so as not to use ATM's and endure those annoying fees: he was truly broke. Attempts to use his Credit/Debit cards proved worthless as he didn't inform his bank he was travelling. 

 

Heroines Save the Day

Sensing concern in his voice and sensing my own concern, I jumped into HeroineWad mode. We needed a solution. He wondered whether he should just fly back to the States. He'd honestly had an interesting run on this trip (getting sick upon his arrival, little rest, and now getting robbed). It was a legitimate question, but one only he could answer. He was hungry with about $5 in his pockets. Should he use it for food? How was he going to get money? How long would that take? Where does he go from here?

He was riddled with questions and I was riddled with answers. I would send money via Western Union. I'm not sure how long it'll take, but I'll check. He should go to the closest Western Union. While trying to figure out how to use Western Union, my brother told me that he considered selling his clothes for some money. Mind you...the two shirts and possible extra pair of pants that he has packed. I laughed. He was serious. My heart grew in love for him, he's such a soldier! I advised that if push came to shove, he can always ask the hotel for a temporary job...HE ALREADY HAD. I love this guy

Meanwhile I began on my journey to understanding the Western Union process. After an hour and a half online and on the phone with customer support, I decided to just go to a brick and mortar location. Walgreens provided Western Union services, so I left my comfy house to embark on this journey. Hero. After reaching the check-out counter, I was informed that I can only use debit or cash. I lost my debit card a week ago. Off to Wells Fargo I went to get a temporary debit card. Hero. An hour later, I walked out to the ATM. Hero. The ATM told me to see a representative inside for the withdrawal, so I walked back in and stood in line. Hero. Shortly after, I made my way back to Walgreens and paid at the check-out counter. Hero. Within minutes, the money was available to my brother. Hero

The applause really isn't necessary y'all...I appreciate it though. As we can see, I've saved the day yet again. I don't do this for the fame or the recognition, I just casually enjoy saving my brother when he's in danger. Like I said, any of you (or none) would do the same if you were in my situation. It's been a pleasure to be your HeroineWad. 

 

When did you save someone? Let me know in the comments below!

 

Happy Wandering...

    

You Can Be In Asia and Europe At The Same Time

Never thought it was possible? Think again. Istanbul is the place for you my friend.

As the largest city in Turkey, this Eurasian beauty is the historical heart of the country. With mosques and churches alike, this is the epicenter of where Europe and Asia, modern and classical, East and West, meet.

Arriving early on in the day, I made sure to take a nap. From the taxi ride leaving the airport, I knew the hills would kill me otherwise. Walking down the hill is fun with a great view. Walking up is not so fun (although great exercise), but there's still a great view.  

Heading towards the Galata Bridge, I got lost. As I was trying to figure out where I was, I came across a tower with a huge line. Intrigued, I waited with the others. The thought ran across my mind to ask where the line lead to, but I suppressed my curiosity. To most this would seem foolish, to me it was an adventure. Why did I have to know where I was going? I could figure it out in due time. 

Amazed at my surroundings, and wondering what the hell I was doing standing in a random line, I continued to wait patiently. My views as I waited:

I love the picture above because it so perfectly describes Istanbul. When you think of the Middle East, the first couple thoughts might include a woman in a burka. True, as seen above. What might catch you off guard was the fact that she was on her iPhone tweeting. She was shocked that people would find it odd. The perfect mixture of culturally classical and technologically forward.

All I can say is that it was delicious. There is no better fruit than fresh fruit from a random cart on your lost adventure. Pretty much anything in a cart is a good idea. It's always well worth the risk! He was also the kindest watermelon man (the only) I have ever met. 

As the line moved forward I was getting anxious. What exactly was I waiting for? Oh yeah, I have no idea. Typical WanderlustWad.

After seeing people pull out money, I decided I had to investigate. I couldn't continue going with this flow of mine when money was involved. After talking to the amused cashier, I found out I was at Galata Tower. I paid the $10 fee and headed upwards to see what the fuss was about.

The Galata Tower was the tallest structure in Istanbul when it was built. It has a 360 view of the city and is breathtaking to say the least. As it turns out that the stars had aligned for me. I had come at golden hour, and and was able to get the most beautiful pictures. 

                     Right before the sunset on the sunny side of the 360 Panorama view

                                         Just a few minutes later on the other side

Standing in a random line paid off. I had no idea where I was going, but I knew it would be an interesting experience regardless.

Galata Tower: $10
Random Adventure: Priceless

Random adventures always pay off, always. Sure they can seem daunting, but not knowing is part of the fun. The anticipation, the waiting, the fear, it's all in the package of adventure. 

Soon after leaving the Galata Tower, I saw where I strayed off and headed towards my original goal, the Galata Bridge. Thankfully the hills were going downwards this time. 

Wandering through the streets, I couldn't get over how lovely this place was. Each street a small community of its own. Shop owners, tourists, and residents alike flooded the cobblestone walkways. It feels so homey

Steps away from my destination I grabbed a $1.50 gyro. I love it here already. I ate my gyro as I watched the rest of the sunset. All alone and extremely content. 

                                            The picture doesn't even do it justice

Walking around afterwards, fisherman waited patiently to get ahold of something, couples held hands, shops hustled and bustled right below the bridge. I wanted nothing more than to come back every single day and watch the sun ascend and descend. And so I will...until I leave that is.

All in all, it was an extremely successful first day. Stay tuned to find out where my adventures lead me tomorrow!

 

What random adventure did you run into? Let me know in the comments below!

 

Happy Wandering...