I've posted a bunch of photos with captions below because visuals will do better justice of Istanbul than my rambling.
But first, a few quick observations:
1. My absolute favourite part so far are the people. They are so unbelievably nice, hospitable and generous. One of the first things our hotelier taught us in Turkish was, 'hello my friend.' I find their culture so interesting and people watch all the time (yep, Nosy Nora lives on).
2. On the people topic I can't get over the number of men in Turkey, seems like 10 to 1. They're everywhere! Where are the women? Wherever I look there are men sitting, standing, smoking, drinking tea (which is delicious), playing backgammon, some working, it goes on. I can't help but feel out of place sometimes.
3. I've heard about the call to prayer but experiencing it is another story. It woke me up at dawn on our first morning and although I wouldn't say I'm religious, you get the spiritual feeling.
4. Visiting the Hagia Sophia was a huge highlight. It dates back to 600 AD and took only 5 years to build with the help of 7500 people. It boggles your mind that they were able to build this kind of structure so long ago. It started as a church then the Ottomans converted it to a mosque and now it's a museum. Snoozing yet? Usually I am but I find myself being fascinated with the history. Dad you'd be proud.
Enjoying my first Turkish tea.
Outside of Hagia Sophia.
Inside Hagia Sophia, behind us names of Islamic leaders.
Inside Hagia Sophia, you can see plaster that was used by Ottomans to cover up Christian mosaics.
Outside of the Blue Mosque.
Inside the Blue Mosque, it's beautiful.
Where's Josh?
Outside another mosque, men washing their feet. A cleansing ritual before entering.
Couldn't help myself, a man turned on one of the washing taps to let a cat have some water.
Outside the Spice Market. This place is insane! So many colors, smells and people.
One of hundreds of stalls at the Spice Market.
A quick baklava pit stop in the Spice Market. Pistachio baklava is amazing!
Some young Turks playing backgammon (common game for men) at one of the stalls in the market.
A less common site to see but it's clear the women stick together.
Dining on Nevizade Street, an area jam-packed with restaurants full of locals.
Taken at a stop during our day long cruise along the Bosphorus Straight which divides the Europe and Asia sides of Istanbul.
In the town of Andolu (stop on our cruise) we (or I) happened to watch a slew of navy seals walk through. Must be a regular thing because none of the locals seemed to notice.
A man in Istanbul selling tea to go.
The most authentic Turkish meal yet. The owner spoke no English. He cooked on a stove on the sidewalk, with two frying pans. We ordered 3 things on the menu using sign language and by pointing at the menu. He then proceeded to bring us 6 items, only one of which we actually ordered! It was totally hilarious but also delicious.
We'll be back to Istanbul in a couple of weeks and can't wait. Now onto our road trip along the Agean/Mediterranean coast.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Location:Istanbul, Turkey
