Travelling Alone to Istanbul:A Journey of Pain,Healing and Unexpected Kindness

I travelled to Istanbul for a medical procedure, expecting a simple trip focused on appointments and recovery. Instead, of those seven days became a mix of pain, healing, unexpected kindness, and the small moments that stayed with me long after I returned home. This is my honest experience,travelling alone, navigating a new city and finding comfort in strangers who felt like a family.

My Arrival in Istanbul

As I planned my trip, the medical team advised me to stay at least 7-8 days and told me I would need two appointments. The good thing was that they arranged all the transport, from the airport to the hotel,from hotel to the clinic, and back again. Knowing this made me feel relaxed,especially since I was travelling solo and arriving at night.

When I arrived at the hotel, the staff welcomed me warmly. The young girl, Maksat at the reception greeted me with a smile and offered me a hot drink. She reminded me of my daughter and her kindness made me feel at home.

My room was fine, not perfect but comfortable enough, I reminded myself that I was here for medical treatment, not luxury.

A Pleasent Surprise

The next morning at breakfast, one of the hotel staff approached me and said, "Ma'am we are changing your room. We are giving you a bigger one". The same day was my appointment with DentSpa. The clinic sent a car to pick me up.

The waiting area was comfortable and they offered me hot drink. After theX-ray and the impressions, they dropped me to the hotel.

Exploring the Grand Bazar

Since I had no idea how the pianful was final appointment might be, I decided to enjoy myself before the main procedure. I told myself, do some shopping, explore a little, enjoy your time.

I went to the Grand Bazar through the Kapalicarsi gate, the place is huge. You can easily get lost. During my last visit in November with my daughter we almost lost oour way. This time I stayed focused:shop and return.

I found a lovely shop selling different type of powdered fruit teas, sweets, honey and so much other stuff. I bought four varieties. Two of them I already tried and they were delicious. The seller was very nice and kind , he took me to his cousin shop when I asked about shawls. The shop was full of beautiful shawls, some hand made. I bought three shawls and two T-shirts. Later, I realized that I should have bought one shawl and more T-shirts, as the weather is getting hotter.

A New Smile

A few days later, I had my final appointment. The bridge and the crowns were fixed. I had a new smile, and i could chew from both side again. It felt like a small victory after months of discomfort.

My Last Morning in Istanbul

On my final morning, suddenly I decided to visit by tram to the Blue Mosque and Topkai Palace. I wanted to give myself a birthday treat. So it was a sudden plan. But the luck was not with me, I felt twice during my visit. Instead of going back by tram to the hotel, I decided to explore the Topkai Palace. I took some photos. As I really don't feel like going back without seeing this beautiful sites. So I choose exploring over pain.

Personal gift was fun with pain.

After returning to the Merretto hotel, I checked all my packed items and looked every where in the room and wash room to double check if any thing left there. The dentist team sent car to drop me at the airport, which made me feel safe and supported.

Later that evening, I boarded my flight home. It was a long, painful and tiring journey, but I felt peaceful. I left Istanbul with new smile, new memories and heartfull of gratitude.

Thankyou for reading my story. This trip was not easy, but it taught me strength, patience and gratitude. If you enjoyed my journey, I would truely appriciate your support in the comments