so i'm working on a lengthy post that will describe my last week or so in a little more detail but i just had a crazy experience that i needed to write immediately. i was just at a cafe in besiktas (actually writing my next blog post) when i noticed these two guys sitting across from me staring. i'm getting pretty used to this, so i tried not to pay attention and continued to write. i thought it was a little bizarre that they sat so long since i outlasted most other patrons, but, again, trying not to be paranoid, i assumed they were having an interesting conversation.
after about an hour, i got up to leave and absolutely noticed when they stood up at the same time. i left, planning to take a stroll along the water, making sure to take note of their direction. i crossed the busy intersection and they were right behind me. i try really hard to never assume the worst of people and constantly talk myself out of paranoid thoughts, so i again, just hoped they were in need of public transportation since we were walking next to the bus station and ferry. to be sure, i walked along the street in the opposite direction of the buses into a large well-lit center. in this center, there is a small gated mosque and through the fence i could see these two guys fake like they were walking toward the ferry then turn the corner and come in my direction. by now, it was evident that i wasn't exaggerating and they were legitimately following me so i stopped and turned around contemplating waiting to find out what they wanted. when i saw the taller of the two pushing the shorter one, both laughing, i decided that i didn't care and the safest move would be to just go home. so i walked faster, crossing the street in front of a police van, turning around and looking at them so they would know i was aware of them following me. by the time they got completely around the corner, i was already in a taksi. from the back window, i could see them pushing through the crowd at the bus station looking for me but i was safely on my way home. crazy.