Today was one of those Istanbul days that looks dramatic even before you step outside. The sky was heavy, the clouds were low, and the rain did not stop for a second. There was even a storm warning for the evening, but honestly, Istanbul is full of surprises and I didn’t want to stay home. I live on the European side, and my plan was to meet my friend on the Asian side. Crossing the city always feels like a small journey, especially when the weather turns wild.
On the way, everything looked like a movie scene through the window: wet roads, blurry lights, and the Bosphorus stretching under a grey sky. I watched the sea and the shoreline, and I could see boats moving slowly in the rain. The city looked softer and quieter, like it was holding its breath. Even the buildings on the hills looked more mysterious. Rain can be annoying, yes, but it also gives Istanbul a special kind of beauty—calm, moody, and very photogenic.
iMeeting a Friend Who Inspires Me
My friend lives in another city, and she came to Istanbul only for one or two weeks because of exams. That is why meeting her felt extra valuable. When someone is only here for a short time, you don’t want to waste the day. We decided to meet in Üsküdar, and because the weather was too rainy for long walks, we chose a nice mall where we could stay warm and dry. We met in Akasya, a big and comfortable place, perfect for a rainy day.
What makes this meeting special is not only friendship, but also admiration. We studied Economics together at Marmara University, and after ten years in working life, she decided to study Law. That decision takes serious courage. Imagine working for years, then starting a new degree, handling a new system, new exams, and a new future. Next year, she will become a lawyer, and I honestly respect her so much. Her story reminds me that it is never too late to change direction, learn again, and build a new identity with patience.
A Cozy Indoor Day: Food, Dessert, and Long Talks
We started with food because good conversations deserve good energy. We ate, laughed, and talked about everything—life in Istanbul, career plans, family, stress, dreams, and how time moves too fast. Outside, the rain was hitting the glass, but inside we were comfortable. Sometimes the best meetings are simple: a table, warm lights, and no pressure. Just two people catching up and being real. The day felt peaceful even though the city was loud and wet.
After the meal, we treated ourselves to dessert. It was one of those small joys that feels bigger than it should. We also had tea, and the moment became even more “Turkish”: a rainy day, a warm glass of tea, and sweet chocolate on the plate. The café atmosphere was lively but still cozy, with bright details and a warm mood. It felt like a little shelter from the storm. I took photos during the day because the contrast was beautiful: grey skies outside, and warm colors inside.
Saying Goodbye, Then Switching to Work Mode
Time passed quickly, and then it was time for me to leave. I had a dubbing course at 6 PM on the European side, so I needed to travel back to Mecidiyeköy. Istanbul plans always include travel time, and on rainy days, everything takes longer. Still, I didn’t feel tired. I felt grateful. I had already filled my day with something meaningful: friendship and motivation. The storm warning was still there, but I was moving with purpose.
The ride back felt like another chapter of the day. I watched the wet streets again, the traffic, the lights reflecting on the asphalt, and the city rushing in different directions. Istanbul can be chaotic, but it also teaches you how to flow. In one day, you can change continents, change moods, and change roles. A few hours earlier I was laughing over dessert, and now I was heading to class like a student again—ready to learn, ready to focus.
Three Hours of Dubbing Class: A Different Kind of Energy
My dubbing course is from 6 to 9 PM, so it is a solid three hours. Some people hear “class at night” and feel tired immediately, but for me it feels exciting. It is not just a hobby. It is a skill, a creative space, and a challenge. In the studio, the atmosphere is completely different from a mall café. The lighting, the equipment, the sound-proof walls—everything feels focused. It is like stepping into another world, where your voice becomes your main tool.
During class, I felt productive and alive. Dubbing is not only about reading lines. It is about timing, emotion, breathing, and control. You try again and again until it sounds natural. You learn to listen to yourself in a new way. That process can be uncomfortable, but it is also powerful. Leaving the studio after three hours, I felt like I used my Sunday well. It was not a lazy day, and it was not only a social day. It was a full day.
Ending the Day on the Metro: Quiet Reflections
After class, I got on the metro to go home. I was tired, but in a good way—the kind of tired that comes from doing something real. The metro ride felt like a soft landing after a long day. I looked around, listened to the city sounds, and let my mind slow down. The rain was still part of the night, but now it felt more distant, like background music instead of an obstacle.
Now I’m sharing this day on this platform and also on the Photography Lovers platform, because today had so many strong visuals and emotions. Stormy skies, the Bosphorus, city lights, cozy indoor moments, tea and dessert, and a studio full of red energy—everything felt like a story. Istanbul gave me rain and a warning, but it also gave me friendship, inspiration, and progress. Honestly, that’s a fair deal.