Huge CIty vs. Big City

 Istanbul is a sprawling metropolis that ranks as one of the largest cities in the world.  The size and the scope shows in the way  that people interact everyday.  Sirens blare, horns honk and people hustle and bustle every hour of the day. Simply crossing the street is an exhausting adventure with everyone jostling to get across without being smashed by a car that has no regard for pedestrians.  As you walk down the street salesmen continually try to get your attention by inviting you in or by calling out to you in English, "Come in and take a look." The streets are a lot like a busy river with millions of fish swimming by trying to get to their destination.  This is not a bad thing however, I love the roar of the wild streets and people are still helpful but it can be overwhelming.
     However, Izmir is almost the opposite of Istanbul. Comparatively speaking Izmir is a snail to the race horse that is Istanbul.  It is still a massive city  with a population of around four millilon people, but you would never guess based on how people act.  Izmir streets are open and calm, like a gentle stream with a few schools of fish drifting along.  It could be due to the fact that Izmir is a coastal city in which a beautiful view can be seen in any direction.  The neighborhoods were the most striking thing to me though, each one is a community in which they share gardens, conversations, meals and most importantly lives.  It's amazing to me that in a city that size the community is still valued and cherished.  Everywhere you go people are willing to lend a helping hand and it's a beautiful thing.