THE MORE THINGS CHANGE . . .

. . . the more they stay the same. Or maybe they don't. 

Saklikent Gorge, Turkey (2001)

• Then: I first went to Istanbul in May 2001. I was still a full-time Media Director at an ad agency. I had a full-time boyfriend with whom I lived, worked AND traveled. It was the first trip for which I needed a visa and I hadn't been many places outside of a few Mexican & Jamaican resorts. I'd never heard of Dragoman, let alone "overlanding." I stayed at the Orient Hotel.

• Now: I'm going back to Istanbul this week. I am a consultant, often working for a Media Director at an ad agency. My lack of significant otherness is getting a little ridiculous. I will need seven visas for this trip and I've been to about three dozen countries, which I now know isn't much. I'm going on my fourth Drago trip and am already planning the next one. I'm gonna be staying at the Orient Hostel.