BAYOU TECHE

ST. MARTINVILLE, LOUISIANA

CAJUN COUNTRY

THE HUMBLE HAMAL

ISTANBUL'S STRONG BACKED PORTERS

Even in modern times, you cannot walk down a street in Istanbul without seeing a man -- sometimes a man who looks to be into his 60s -- carrying an insane about of wares on his back.

This is the Hamal.

Porter, in English.

Tom Brosnahan's outstanding book Bright Sun, Strong Tea, chronicles his dealings with Hamals when his goods arrive on the shores of the Bosphorus.

This photo shows a gray-haired Hamal carrying a relatively light load up a steep back street not far from the Spice Bazaar.

These porters work in garment districts and others areas that require large loads to be carried up narrow passageways.

This photo shows a Hamal walking past a statue memorializing the Hamal, erected by the municipality of Fatih.

LITTLE SULTAN

FIRST DAY IN ISTANBUL

After nearly 12-hour flight.

7 p.m. felt like 2 a.m. with the time change.

My gracious host Deniz took me from Hotel Niles to Sultanahmet Square.

Saw this little Ottoman Prince, or future sultan.

Posing for family in front of fountain with Ayasofya behind.

Big day for him.

But folks later told me this leads up to a painful slice of surgery done at birth to men in the western world.

Heckuva price to pay for getting to play dress up for the weekend.

TEA AND TRINKETS FOR SALE

BEŞİKTAŞ ISTANBUL TURKEY

Everything on this cart for 3 TL (about $1 USD). Çay shared with series browsers only

BALIK EKMEK (FISH SANDWICH)

ISTANBUL, TURKEY

Brightly-lit boats grill up thousands of fish sandwiches for customers seeking inexpensive (about $3 USD) eats on the Golden Horn in Eminonu next to the Galata Bridge (where the fish restaurants are much more expensive and touristy.)