Is there more to these?

A poem which hasn't been published here for a long time. Thought I would post it nevertheless. 

Silence....

Hope,

Joy,

Happiness....

Is there more to these?

Or are they just words?

Hurt,

Sadness,

Pain,

Is there more to these?

Or are they just words?

Are feelings involved?

Is there a depth?

The question is more meaningful than the one I ask.

I have been inspired!! Good Lord I haven't read anything in the recent past which spoke to me so much as did this article on the thoughts of a retiring American career diplomat, William Burns. 

Burns speaks of ten very important points that anyone, especially the diplomats should be aware of. These rang close to home as I strongly believe in a few of them. And I learnt from the rest. A synopsis of the ten points are as follows; 

1. Know where you come from
Know your beginnings and what you represent. I have seen many diplomats forgetting this very simple yet critical factor. Some forget that they are serving their country and not their own interests. I think it is really important to remember where you come from as that can not lead you astray. 

2. It's not always about us. 
Here Burns is telling the American diplomats that the world in fact does not revolve around America. I believe this is an important advice, but something everyone can draw from. Some times we have to pay attention to what is going on around the world, be it in our neighbouring country or a country too far away to be of any importance to us. 

3. Master the fundamentals
Enough said. But really, learn your basics. 

4. Stay ahead of the curve
Be abreast of new trends, of what is going on around you. Trust me, some times you have no idea what can keep a conversation going.  

5. Promote economic renewal 
Of course, as a diplomat you are expected to do the best for your country and therein ensure that the said country should reap economic benefits by being friends with another country. If a diplomat can make this work, then it is understood that the diplomat is serving the country. 

6. Connect leverage to strategy 
Understand the country's interests and ensure you get about building the bridges to help those interests work. 

7. Don't just admire the problem; offer a solution
Anyone can say there is a problem and show why a plan or a strategy would not work. But be that person who offers a solution to th problem at hand. Start thinking out of the box when a problem comes your way. 

8. Speak truth to power
Of course, during one's career there will be times when one has to do things that are not in agreement with one's beliefs. But when asked for one's honest opinions, do not be afraid to share what you think about a plan, a project etc. Some times, one's opinion could be the game changer. Just saying. 

9. Accept risk
Be that person who is not afraid to go out there and do their best, even if it means risking everything you have. Remember, by being a diplomat, you are serving your country, not yourself. 

10. Remain optimistic

"Teddy Roosevelt said life's greatest good fortune is to work hard at work worth doing." Be that person who can be count upon to see the positive in every negative situation that that comes their way 

Taksim Square, a place for freedom

Taksim Square during the late afternoon

The blue skies, cool breeze and open spaces caught my eyes as I walked around Istanbul. With over twelve hours of day light during the summer and early autumn, Turks have a lot of time for leisure and the outdoors during this time. 

Narrow, cobbled streets greeted me in the older parts of the city, in Taksim. Open coffee shops and restaurants lined these streets on every available space. People, mostly men, sat on tiny stools drinking cups of either Turkish coffee or tea, chatting with their friends and colleagues or playing board games whilst catching up whatever sun they can, before the harsh Turkish winters begin.  

Cobbled streets in Taksim

Time spent freely, leisurely, without a care in the world was one thing I was envious of the Turks. I did not expect to see so many open spaces and luscious parks were people could idle away time. As you would imaging, this was the first thing I got about doing while there. 

The observer in me was in full swing, sponging in every minute detail that met the eye. The behaviour of the people, leaves blowing in the wind, children playing, the way the food was prepared in various restaurants and road-side shops, nothing missed the eye. I could be wrong, but I observed that unlike in Sri Lanka, many children in Istanbul had time to enjoy their childhood, playing in the parks till the sun set. 

I too sat for a couple of hours near a fountain in a park, taking in everything Turkish. It was only then that I realised I really needed to kick back and relax, after clocking in long hours for many weeks at a stretch at work. 

The Monument of the Republic in Taksim Square

Old trams running in the middle of Taksim 

Being the tourist hotspot it is, Taksim Square is swamped by many nationalities. The Monument of the Republic, the trams and the Square itself are delightful attractions. The Galata Tower, over looking the bay is an ideal location to have an birds-eye view of the Bosphorus River and also get a glimpse of the Asian side of Istanbul. 

The view from the Galata Tower towards the Asian side of Istanbul

The view from the Galata Tower towards the European side of Istanbul 

I wound up my day enjoying the sunset at the Taksim Square and munching on light dinner of fruits and sandwiches. Satisfied with my first day in Istanbul, I decided to call it a day as I had been travelling from quite early in the morning. A good night's sleep was in order for me. 

Setting sun at the Taksim Square