Chapter 53. Bosporus Strait

Istanbul is one of the five cities in the world that is located on two continents. The Bosporus Strait separates European Istanbul from Asian Istanbul. To facilitate the movement of people between the Asian and European sides, the government has provided various modes of transportation, such as cars, buses, and ferries that cross the strait every day.

Emma was gazing at the twinkling lights of the ferries from her hotel room window, which directly faced the Bosporus Strait. In ancient Greek mythology, this strait was believed to be the escape route of Io, the daughter of the river god Inachus, who disguised herself as a young cow to flee from Hera's wrath. However, Hera, a relentless pursuer, sent a giant gadfly to chase Io and force her to swim across the strait between Europe and Asia. Hence, the strait was named Bosporus, which means "cow crossing."

But it wasn't Greek mythology occupying Emma's thoughts as she stared out the window. Her mind wasn't even in Istanbul.