The Terrifying Airbnb Horror and the Scary Missing Person Experience

A Scary Airbnb Encounter in Istanbul

One day in August 2020, my partner and I found ourselves in a small, charming apartment in the heart of Istanbul. The cozy surroundings and the location, nestled in a narrow alley near Independence Street and Taksim Square, promised a delightful stay. Much to our horror, however, the dream turned into a nightmare.

As alarms blared incessantly on our phones, an intense performance worthy of Hollywood began. The apartment owner, through a sudden and urgent call, informed us that our living quarter was under threat from human traffickers. The most chilling part was the sound of relentless knocks and shouts from outside. Only after a prolonged period did it dawn on us that this terrifying scenario was orchestrated by an invisible force.

Quite unexpectedly, the experience morphed into laughter as we realized the absurdity of the situation. This harrowing story was so impactful that we wrote a book about it, intertwining the fear and the humor that came from this surreal incident.

A Missing but Safe Father: Lessons Learned

The year 2010 brought a different kind of fear, though equally distressing, to my family. The story begins on a summer afternoon in Visakhapatnam, a city in India. Unbeknownst to me, my parents were at home, taking a brief nap, while I was at the office.

My father, diabetic and aged around 80, was not where he should have been. My mother, worried and alone, searched the area but faced no leads. My return home on that fateful day led to a search that stretched from the streets to the police stations, and even to government hospitals. Despite our best efforts, no updates came until the 4th day, which after three grueling days, saw my father returning to us - first in a strange state, and then in a safe but broken condition.

He reported that he had been in a terrible accident, hit by an autorickshaw, which left him injured and disoriented. Despite his difficulties, he managed to find a way to the closest railway station and travel back to our native place. The delay and pain he experienced were unimaginable, and the incident left a lasting impact on our family's health and mental well-being.

Lessons and Precautions for the Future

From the chaos and fear in Istanbul, and from the harrowing experience of my father, several key lessons emerged. First, never leave elders unattended, especially when they venture outside. Keep ID cards and contact numbers handy. Second, if you come across a lost person, promptly report them to the nearest police station or NGOs. Lastly, having a list of medications or health issues for the elderly can help them in times when they cannot communicate effectively.

These experiences, both terrifying and tragic, have instilled in us the importance of vigilance, preparedness, and community support in safeguarding the well-being of our older family members. Despite the initial shocks and scares, they have taught us valuable lessons that we carry forward with us.