I never really planned to visit Turkey—not because I wasn’t interested, but because I always felt this traditionally and culturally rich country deserved a longer, more immersive trip. But life had other plans! On my way from Rome, Italy, to Pakistan, I had a transit stop in Istanbul. Just as I was getting ready for the next leg of my journey, news came in: my flight was canceled due to weather conditions. At first, I was disappointed, but then I found out many flights were affected, and I would be grounded for at least 24 hours.
Amid the chaos and confusion, I decided to make the best of the situation. Rather than staying cooped up at the airport, I chose to embrace the unexpected. Those 24 hours turned into a whirlwind adventure—an opportunity to experience Istanbul in the most spontaneous way possible. I explored the city, savored authentic Turkish cuisine, visited as many tourist spots as time would allow, and even managed to pick up some gifts for my family.
While my unplanned layover gave me a wonderful glimpse of Istanbul, I know that Turkey has so much more to offer. I’m determined to return for a longer trip to fully immerse myself in its rich traditions, vibrant culture, and timeless history.