Journey to 'I do'

37- Istanbul Activities

I think at this point y'all can tell that I'm struggling with these chapter titles! Help a sister out😭😭 if you have any suggestions for previous and future chapters please leave them in the comments thank you❤️
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In the heart of Istanbul, the city's vibrant energy embraced me as I navigated through its labyrinthine streets. The Grand Bazaar, a kaleidoscope of colors and textures, offered a sensory journey into Turkish culture. Lulu, Ya Hauwa and Fefe accompanied me, laughter bubbling between us as we explored stalls filled with intricate rugs, delicate ceramics, and the tantalizing aroma of spices.

The Blue Mosque stood as a majestic sentinel, its minarets reaching towards the heavens. I stood in its courtyard, absorbing the tranquility that contrasted with the lively atmosphere of the bazaar. As we ventured through the city, the Hagia Sophia's ancient stones whispered stories of empires, and the Topkapi Palace unfolded the opulence of Ottoman royalty.

Today's agenda held the promise of indulgence, with jewelry and perfume shopping topping the list. After going to a few jewelry shops with Am'ma Janna, and doing some damage we made our way to a unique perfume store named Moschidae. I was particularly intrigued by the concept of creating a personalized scent.

Moschidae was part of the list Freda had created, you could tell she put great effort into this. So far I'd visited four of the places on the list, and every single one was a hit!

Stepping into Moschidae, I was immediately captivated by the shelves adorned with an array of exquisite fragrance ingredients. The air was redolent with a symphony of scents, each vying for attention. Am'ma Janna, Faiza, Lulu, ya Hauwa and I were welcomed by Omar, a perfumer with an air of sophistication and warmth.

As I explained my vision for the fragrance to Omar, he listened attentively, his eyes reflecting a genuine passion for his craft. "I'm thinking something warm, with woody undertones, a bit of spice, and a touch of tobacco," I conveyed. Omar nodded thoughtfully, his fingers deftly reaching for various vials, each with a distinct aroma.

Our conversation unfolded like a dance of words and essences. "Warmth is often associated with amber and vanilla," Omar suggested, carefully placing drops into the blend. "For the woody notes, we can explore cedarwood and sandalwood. Spice can come from a hint of cardamom, and tobacco adds a rich, earthy layer."

"But I want something spicy too for him," I added.

As he mixed the elements, the shop became a canvas for olfactory artistry. Omar shared insights into the significance of each note, "The key is balance," he explained. "Each note should complement the others, to create a harmony of fragrances that resonates with the one wearing it you see."

The scents evolved with each addition, and I found myself engrossed in the process. Omar's expertise transformed my initial vision into a tangible, aromatic masterpiece. "There you have it," he announced, presenting the final concoction.

Expressing my gratitude, I left Moschidae with a bespoke scent—a token of sentiment for Muhammad. The fragrance lingered on my skin, a subtle reminder of the unique experience shared with friends and a skilled perfumer named Omar. Of course I made a scent for myself too and bought two of Omar's signature scents that were selling in the store.

We continued our shopping spree, heading to the mall. We went into Sephora for its array of well-known scents and I decided to just shop for makeup as well, stocking up on my favorite products. I couldn't help but miss my life in London.

To commemorate our day, we ventured to Pandora, where we chose matching bracelets. Symbolizing the bond forged during our trip, these bracelets became tangible reminders of all our laughter and shared stories.