The thing I liked most about our tour through Turkey was the variety. We saw ancient towns and modern cities. We walked through dark caves and high atop craggy rock formations.
We learned the intricacies of Turkish Carpet making and how to ‘throw a pot.’ We drank Turkish tea and stuffed our bellies full of kebabs and Gozleme (a savory Turkish flat pancake fried full of spinach, cheese, and other tasty delights). We belly danced, smoked traditional Nargileh (Hookah) Pipes, and even got nearly naked, washed, and scrubbed at a traditional Turkish Bath.
There were some requisite shopping stops built into our tour along the way. Leather is a huge commodity in Turkey. In fact, many of the leather jackets found in Italy or London are often made here. One day, we were taken to a Leather outlet to understand the production of these coats.
Much to our surprise, we were first treated to an odd little fashion show put on by the shop. We were herded into a room with a catwalk, disco ball, and loud thumping Turk-pop music. Tall, leggy blond gals strutted their stuff in high-heeled boots and micro-mini skirts while a couple young Turks donned big Ray Bans and showed off the latest in Men’s leather jackets.
It was hilarious—especially since there were only 13 of us in the room and I didn’t exactly feel like Paris Hilton in the front row at a big Dolce and Gabbana fashion show. I jokingly snapped some photos like a paparazzo and then, to my dismay or excitement, I’m still not sure which, I was grabbed up by one of the Turkish babes and pulled backstage to become one of the ‘models.’ At five-foot-four, and a constant ten (maybe 15 after this buffet-laden Turkey tour) pounds more than I’d like, runway modeling has never been one of my top career ambitions. They threw a beautiful brown hooded lambskin jacket on me and I strutted my stuff the best I could in my shorts and Teva hiking sandals.
I think a pair of heels might have helped my image, but it was all good fun and luckily my adoring fans (my tour mates) cheered me on, snapped pics and whistled.
It is really a brilliant marketing ploy—we all had good fun, and as planned, a few of my fellow passengers dug deep into their wallets and dropped some Turkish Lira on a few jackets and purses. Unfortunately, I did not get a perk for my five minute modeling job and was not offered any deep discounts. Ever the frugal traveler, I’d rather travel a few more months, than buy more ‘stuff.’ Well, actually, I’d already bought a leather jacket in Buenos Aires months ago!
Well, the reason you did not see Paris is because back here in the States, she is in solitary confinement in jail! Seriously!
LISA LUBIN: NEW QUEEN OF THE TURKISH RUNWAY!!
New York Times Headline June 2007.
After completing a full strut down the runway in Istanbul and completing 3 separate 360 degree turns, hot new US Model Lisa Lubin finished her appearance without once falling on her ass while keeping a cemented on smile on her face. After the post show photo shoot, Ms. LL (as she prefers to be called now) said her choice of footwear made at the difference. Next year she promises a new line of knee high hiking sandals to complete the look. "5'2" is the new 5'11" and the B cup is the new standand"
MORE on page 2………….
Really interesting! I’d like to find change to become a distributor of the watches!