Traveler learns her name has a different meaning in Istanbul

Natasha Basley and Alisa Rotenberg spent a semester abroad studying in Prague. When friends planned a spring break trip to Turkey, they tagged along. As Natasha introduced herself to people, her name elicited snickers and giggles. “In my country, there is a certain type of woman that we call Natasha,” said a carpet store owner. This is the second installment of Press Play’s “Travel Horror Stories” series.


Natasha “Natalie” Basley and Alisa Rotenberg