Galata Bridge is a bustling kaleidoscope with a view of many places evocative of Istanbul's long history. Topkapi Palace conjures up a vision of janissaries with magnificent moustaches about to set out on campaign against Vienna; the city walls that of the Byzantine emperor Justinian returning from fiercely fought battles in North Africa. Looking at the old city you imagine the poet Orhan Veli trudging downhill to Cibali to buy the salt and bread that he had forgotten.
In Istanbul one small step or a slight turn carry you from one era to another.
From looking at the lavender blue of the Marmara Sea, you find yourself gazing at pink Judas tree blossom. As you sorrow over the Byzantine princes who were blinded and exiled to the Istanbul Islands, you are cheered up by the sight of gypsy dancers led by Cihanyandi Saliha of Dolapdere.
This is a city which whirls your mind and spirit here and there like the Ayandon storm which swept away the roofs of old houses in Balat one misty November evening.