I often think of the sorts of things I might be doing if we were back in Minneapolis. At this time of year, that answer is pretty simple: Going to the State Fair.
I’ll be missing out on this quintessentially Midwestern phenomenon this year, but I’m trying to convince myself it’s for the best. After all, my arteries are thrilled and the reverse culture shock might be a bit much.
Fortunately for me, this week I’ll be briefly visiting Istanbul, another chaotic, magnetic place that has similar-enough features to create a State Fair-like experience on the other side of the globe:
HEADS CARVED OUT OF BUTTER
HUMAN TRAFFIC JAMS
CORN ON THE COB STANDS
ABUNDANCE OF SUGARY CARBS
LIVESTOCK ON THE STREET
A friend of ours has even encountered chickens on the metro. Straight out of Borat.
Didn’t expect any of this to happen, but I’m loving it.