I was in Istanbul in April. I had a lot of friends who thought that it was a bad idea that I was traveling there, considering all that had happened in the city and region. I wasn't afraid. I figured that it wasn't any more dangerous that being in the middle of the city in which I live. I found the people of Istanbul to be among the most peaceful and welcoming people of anywhere I have ever traveled. Religiously speaking, I have never met more a more tolerant population.