From london to Istanbul/Kenan Yildiz

Part 1

Amelia Brier lives in London, but she decided to pursue her bachelor's degree at the University of Istanbul. It took her some time to come to this decision, but the milestone was definitely her trip to Istanbul with friends who were also considering studying there. Amelia's parents were okay with her traveling alone around the world. She already had extensive experience living abroad for almost two years during her gap year and through various school programs.

Certainly, it wasn't easy for her to leave her family, her beloved siblings, and her H-O-M-E. However, Amelia was determined that stepping out of her comfort zone was necessary for her growth. It also made for great content on her Instagram and YouTube blog. She was the kind of girl who wanted to see the whole world, to learn as much as possible, to have fun, and to support her family. She especially wanted to give her hard-working parents and siblings the best holidays they deserved. Despite having fallen in love many times—mostly with male celebrities—Amelia had never been in a relationship. She wasn't upset about not having her first kiss yet, knowing her dreamy celebrity crushes had set high expectations in her mind.

**POV: Amelia in Istanbul**

"Soooo, I still can't believe that all the times I have visited Turkey, I never visited Istanbul! Huge mistake!"

"I told you, Ams! You will love this city!" said Lisa, my best friend, lying on the bed of our shared hotel room.

"Ah, I'm bored sitting here. We're losing time. Maybe let's call the boys from their room and continue exploring Istanbul?"

"Ameliiiii, nooo!" shouted Sofia in a French accent.

"Ams, we're all tired after that huge meal. I think it's better to have an afternoon rest, and then we can explore as much as you want," said Eva.

"Okay, I have a better idea. You can lie here as much as you want, and I'll go for a walk in Istiqlal Street or Taksim," I said.

"Are you sure? You aren't afraid of getting lost?" asked Sofia.

"Oh, come on, Sof. We're in the 21st century; she has a phone and internet," said Lisa.

"Yes, girls, don't worry. I'll be fine. Just let me know an hour before you start getting ready to go out, okay?"

"Of course, darling, be careful out there!" they shouted almost in unison.

I took everything I thought I would need. It was the beginning of May, and though the weather was rainy like in London, it was warm. I decided to take a risk and wore my favorite shoes—my white-pink Sambas—with blue mom-jeans and a white T-shirt. I just hoped the rain wouldn't mess up my outfit. I didn't have a specific plan, but I figured I'd go wherever my heart led me.

I wandered through Taksim a bit, took a selfie for Instagram, and then went to Istiqlal Street, where I found a cute little café. While waiting for my cappuccino and San-Sebastian cheesecake, I thought it was a great time to call my parents.

Of course, my mum answered straight away.

"Hiii, mummy! How are you?"

"Ohh, hi my dear! I'm good. Finally, you called me. I see you're living your life, huh?"

"Yeah, when I start studying here, you and Dad must come visit me and try this Sebastian cake. It's delicious! And the views! Wow!"

"I'm really glad you like it and are enjoying the city, but please be careful, I beg you."

"Mum, you know I'm not the type you need to tell that to."

"I know, I know. But still, be careful. Okay, love, I'd love to talk more, but I have to work. Stay in touch. I love you."

"I love you too, Mum. Bye."

After finishing the call, I enjoyed my coffee break. Then, I decided to go down the street to get closer to the sea. If not for my sleepy friends, I would have taken a tram to the Fatih region to visit the mosque. For now, I could only get close to the sea.

As I reached a quiet road near the sea, I found a great spot to record a video for my Instagram. I waited until there weren't many people around, set my phone to record, and walked back and forth by the sea. When I finished, I grabbed my phone to check the recording. Suddenly, I felt someone bump into me forcefully, spilling something hot all over my legs and, most importantly, my favorite Sambas. Shocked, in pain, and furious, I looked down at my ruined shoes and jeans stained with coffee.

"Oh, ee, I am so sorry. Affedersiniz?" he stammered.

"Çok teşekkürler. Don't worry, I speak English, you blind!" I snapped, trying to keep calm but finding it difficult. I looked up at him and continued, "Ahh, the whole path is free of people, and you choose to bump INTO me with HOT coffee or whatever that is! It hurts! Oh, I can't!"

"I'm really sorry, lady. I didn't mean to. I was just too focused on my thoughts. Let me help you," he offered as I struggled to take off my hot shoes.

"Oh, really? That's so ATTENTIVE of you," I replied sarcastically.

He knelt to help me. "I have wet wipes and cold water in my bag. Wait a sec, I'll get it. By the way, what's your name?"

Amelia. Now you know my name. What difference does it make?" I retorted as he rummaged through his bag. "Can you not talk and search faster?" I knew I was being harsh, but I was genuinely annoyed by the whole situation.

"Oh, I found it! No need to be so sassy. I just asked your name so I could communicate with you and help," he said, smiling as he started to clean my feet. I took the wet wipes from him and began to do it myself because I was starting to think—and actually said to his face:

"I can do it myself because I'm beginning to think you're the type of man who 'accidentally' bumps into 'ladies' to meet someone, huh?"

I knew it sounded crazy and dumb, and he looked genuinely shocked as he heard that.

"Oh, I'm really sorry that you, Amelia, think I'm a psychic who loves doing this. It was never my intention. It hurts that you assume I look like a maniac. Wait, you don't even know my name?"

I realized how offensive I had been. At least he apologized and tried to help me, but I was still annoyed by the whole situation.