Ocasta

I find myself at the gateway to the Orient the week before Istanbul hosts its first Formula 1 Grand Prix. F1 fever seems to have gripped the city judging by the banners and TV coverage. With this reception and no resistance to tobacco advertising (or use) no wonder F1 wants to shift away from its traditional western European centres.

Being here on business I have had little opportunity to see the city other than from a taxi window between the hotel and the client's office. Initial impressions are off a large and sprawling city. The architecture much like any other southern European city but a lot more of it. However unlike the towns of Italy, Southern France or Spain in amongst the normal concrete boxes mosques and minarets are scattered in profusion across the landscape. It is also easy to detect a German influences brought about by a long and close friendship. Its also a lot hillier and greener than I had imagined.

From the view of language, Turkey is probably the most foreign country I have visited. The amount of English spoken and understood is less than I am used to in Western Europe. My knowledge of Turkish is virtually nil. For my next visit I must make an effort to learn some basic words - Hello, Yes/No, Please and thank you would be a good start. Is there anywhere on the Internet that helps you pick up these basics? At least the road signs are intelligible even if my pronunciation isn't.