Hamams and spas have become an important part of my travels. After a few months on the move, they help revitalize and rejuvenate the body, relieving stiffness and muscle tension. Although I’ve enjoyed several traditional Turkish hamams, this time, I opted for a more modern version.
Massage & Body Scrub
I discovered a spa inside nearby AKKA Hotel in Taksim. The hotel is owned by a Russian immigrant, and the spa staff are Balinese. The building is impeccably clean, with modern minimalist décor, gorgeous marble floors, and incredible panoramic views from the rooftop café!
I needed a boost, and the deep tissue massage was physically and mentally healing! Combined with a sauna and foam body scrub, the process eliminates body toxins that cause weakened immunity and fatigue.
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“Life in Istanbul is fast-paced and intense, defined by immense crowds, the constant buzz of activity, and traffic congestion. While it offers a vibrant urban experience, blending modern amenities with history, residents face high stress levels, long commutes, and the challenge of navigating a city that rarely sleeps.”
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Travel Reflections
When traveling, many things affect you – ever-changing accommodations, mattress and pillow quality, language and communication challenges, climate, culture quirks, water, air, and food. You may miss your comfy bed, a familiar kitchen, or leisurely soaks in a bathtub. There’s a period of time when travelers “get real,” by reconciling their expectations with reality. Regardless of how experienced a traveler you are, this process can be slightly traumatic.
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“Travel is a real-world crash course in humility. By stripping you of your usual routines, exposing you to diverse ways of living, and reminding you of how small you are in a massive world.”
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During past extended trips, it took about six months to adapt fully and make the transition from my home in the quiet Willamette Valley to a lifestyle of long-term foreign travel. After that, it was easier to go with the flow – almost 😊 – and deal with situations thrown my way by unfamiliar environments. This trip has been challenging. I’d rather not recall some of the more hair-raising experiences 😵💫… Istanbul (population 16 million) is almost as hectic as super high-density Mumbai India (population 19 million). I visited Mumbai many years ago (pre travel blog). Although it was an incredible experience, I don’t plan to return.
Travel is a powerful learning experience. Long trips require open mindedness and a “willingness to consider new ideas, information, and perspectives that differ from your own“. It teaches you humility and creates a greater appreciation of the simpler things in life we often taken for granted. Your entire world of “things” is carried inside a few pieces of luggage.
While adjusting to new environments, some discomfort is always part of the experience. Being judgmental or resistant makes the process more difficult. “Travel creates the opportunity for humility, but humility emerges only if you reflect on and engage deeply with the differences you encounter.”
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“For those who thrive on excitement, culture, and a fast-paced environment, Istanbul is rewarding, but it requires patience and adaptability to handle its high-intensity nature.”
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During this time in Istanbul, I haven’t posted on my travel bog very often. Living in the moment, I’m enjoying time in the “only city in the world bridging two continents – Europe and Asia – across the bustling Bosphorus Strait”. Some aspects of Istanbul are a bit overwhelming, but it’s truly a magical place, where the hectic pace of life sometimes seems ruthless!