My first experience abroad (that I remember) began in Istanbul, Turkey. As I walked out of the airport, I felt like I was stepping into the Arabian Nights. Everything, from the architecture to the language to the maniacal taxi drivers, was different from what I had ever experienced, except in books. I had known about other cultures and other countries before. But that was the moment I first truly comprehended the richness of variety that exists on planet Earth.
I spent the next six months living and traveling in the Middle East, studying Arabic, and imbibing the exotic, fascinating, yet at times strangely familiar oriental air.… Read more