Intrepid traveller... Paling into insignificance

This isn’t the first time I’ve travelled within a predominately Muslim country, but it’s certainly the first time I’ve been accompanied by a man. I’m noticing a distinct difference. That is, I’m not being noticed at all.

Respectfully covered from neck to toe – except when it’s raining, and engulfed in my hooded parka I resemble a Jedi Knight – I’m certainly not intending to make a scene. However, I’m finding the extent to which I am ignored by street salesmen and restaurateurs somewhat disconcerting.

Boyfriend enjoying his compliments-of-me coffee, at Haydarpaşa ferry wharf

Yesterday I ordered two Turkish coffees at a small kiosk as we waited for the ferry to take us back from Haydarpaşa (on the Asian side) to Eminönü (in Europe), but the waiter turned to Boyfriend to ask if we wanted sugar mixed in. When it came time for the bill, I paid; yet the waiter returned with change for my man. He then asked Boyfriend’s name and where he came from, shook his hand, smiled and went back to serving. It was like I wasn’t even there.

At other places too they have gone to great lengths to introduce themselves to Boyfriend, congratulate him on being from Australia and/or being “such a big (tall) man,” and I merely scuttle along behind. It definitely appears that the ratio of men to women in Istanbul is skewed, and from reading excerpts of the Lonely Planet we’re told that – tourist-dense areas aside – most restaurants in Turkey are segregated and some are even strictly ‘female free’ zones.

The Blue Mosque

Today in the Blue Mosque I noticed that the back of the large prayer hall was cordoned off for women; only an eighth of the whole space deemed necessary for female worship. I’m not going to argue the pros and cons of Islam, but I do question the reasons behind, and need for, any form of segregation – be it of women and men or one race from another.

There are certain times when I like Boyfriend to take the lead: when booking travel and accommodation and getting us from A to B in general. It’s at these times I like to be a bit lazy. But I’m no wallflower and neither are any of my girlfriends. I think I would find it hard to live and work in the Middle East, although for now it is an interesting place to travel.

A little bit of Sh!

Last night’s event celebrated 16 years of Sh! The first (and only) truly female focussed Women’s Erotic Emporium. Where dildos and strap-ons and condoms and flavoured lubes have pride of place on the shelves – out of their boxes and ready to play with.

A feat for females everywhere… well maybe for some.

To be honest, girlfriend and I accepted our invitation primarily for their offer of bottomless champagne; with an afterthought of the promised goodie bag. Once there, I was pleasantly surprised by the number of older women among the guests. It’s nice to think that women in their fifties and sixties, after menopause has come and gone, still see a need for 'Jessica' Rabbit.

While I was an eager drama student at school, role plays in the bedroom have never really been my thing: PVC costumes that threaten third-degree burns should your pheromone-fuelled candle accidentally let off a spark have failed to hold any appeal. Maybe it’s my Catholic school upbringing – although, I think not – but personally ‘additions’ in the bedroom tend to ruin the mood for me. I like spontaneity and trolling through my knickers draw for my vibrator just isn’t the foreplay I’m after.

But each to their own, and all (battery) power to them!

Sh! products are designed and made in the UK and available online at www.sh-womenstore.com