Simulacra + Vera Icon-Turkey

My time in Turkey was split between basking in the former glories of ancient ruins and being in awe with the surreal landscapes. Going through my pictures from Turkey, I realize I was a mad cat lady on the loose.

Santiago, Chile had abandoned pure-bred pet dogs roaming around the streets, chasing cars.
India had often-diseased stray dogs napping away during the daytime, terrorizing passerby at night.
Turkey, especially Istanbul, had so so so many stray cats frolicking on little patches of grass, most of which were well-behaved and clean-looking like this one. I often found a cat meowing while walking around in ruins alone and would pet it for a while and the cat would follow me for the duration of my time there. so cute. (or just hungry?)

When I was walking around in Istanbul I happened to pass in front of this store and the owner, who spoke English, wanted to show off his cats to me, boasting how beautiful they were, with white fur and one blue and one green eyes. I didn't believe him until he brought out two of the most beautiful cats I've ever seen in my life! I was too awe-struck to take any picture but I'm still haunted by their images in my head. Apparently they are the "world-famous" Turkish kind..so lovely

Simulacra + Vera Icon-Markets

One of my favorite places to check out while travelling is market place. Although I love finding unusual products that simultaneously fascinate and perturb me, the main reason I love hanging out at market places, time permitting, is because I get to see how locals live and interact with one another. It's quite peculiar to see how similar everyone is, regardless of the culture difference.

I should mention that Turkish people were so nice (it may have seem more so because I had recently left very hostile Spain) and market vendors were not exceptions. Often times, they would encourage me to take photos of their products and explain unfamiliar products to me, not asking me to buy, but just to show me.