Shared Taxi

I thank editor Dawn Lowe for including “Shared Taxi” in Brilliant Flash Fiction. This story’s narrator, Henri, was informed by my old friend and colleague John White. Though John’s biography was quite different than Henri’s, they shared a bon vivant approach to life — mitigated by grace and kindness. Paris and Istanbul, what can I say? I think love of the former is the reason Pierre Loti came to adore the latter. Me, too. Here’s the link. Please do scroll down because Taxi is at the bottom! https://brilliantflashfiction.com/2023/09/30/september-2023/#more-6209

Istanbul after Dark

Photo by Jon Walton

Much like Pierre Loti, I became enchanted by Istanbul and remain so to this day. My 2006 visit continues to inspire essays, poems and stories. I thank editor Luke Evans for including my recent near-future SF tale “Basilone” on his Underside Stories site.  https://lukevans.substack.com/p/c76f9400-8624-4c36-b1ef-057a6c5a8a5f

Alexander the Greatest!

Saturday Writers is a most supportive writers’ group. I’ve been honored over the years that they’ve chosen some of my writing for prizes in their well-organized contests. Most recently, my Istanbul reminiscence “Alexander the Greatest” was honored in their ethnic food contest. Here’s a quote:

A vertical spit rotated next to this ladder of intense heat.  On the spit was a roll of compressed lamb slices called derna. The roll, nearly three feet long and at least eight inches in diameter, gleamed decadently with juice as it rotated. The chef carved slices off the roll for each dish of iskender ordered. The slices, thick and numerous, were arranged on each plate atop a bed of pita bread and cherry tomatoes. The meat on its bed was covered with a large dollop of yoghurt, high fat yoghurt. Then, to the everlasting horror of my arteries, the waiter poured ladles of melted goats milk butter over all. Faced with enough cholesterol to sink the Titanic

Ramadan in Istanbul

The view from Kurtulus

While visiting son Jeremy some years ago, I experienced Ramadan in Istanbul — drums before dawn, tensions during the hot afternoon, wonderful mezes after dusk. My poem in Verse Virtual plucks memories from that trip. https://www.verse-virtual.org/2022/April/walton-robert-2022-april.html

Here’s the Basilica Cistern — just because.

Intrigue in Istanbul!

Photo by Jon Walton

Every Day Fiction just published my near future SF tale “Basilone” set in Istanbul. Working with their word limit made me refine the story to its essentials and I’m happy with the result. Please do see if you agree with me! Here’s the link:

https://everydayfiction.com/basilone-by-robert-walton/